The Federal Government has lowered the costs for textbook assessment and ranking, effective immediately. This decision, announced by the Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC), arrives in anticipation of the National Textbook Ranking System scheduled for September 2026. The move intends to lower financial barriers for authors and publishers to ensure broader participation.
Prof. Salisu Shehu, the Executive Secretary of NERDC, stated that assessment charges have dropped from N2,000 to N1,500 per page. Furthermore, the ranking fee per title decreased from N1 million to N750,000. For publishers who previously paid the higher rates, the council promised a refund process, with further instructions to follow soon. Education Minister Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa spearheaded this policy as part of a broader push to enhance educational material standards.
Beginning in September 2026, the national ranking will be mandatory for any textbook intended for classroom use. While the council will still perform standard approvals, future classroom materials must secure a national rank based on content quality, pedagogical value, and curriculum alignment. This initiative aims to eliminate substandard materials and provide schools with a reliable guide for selecting high-quality resources.
