The Federal Government has introduced a National Textbook Ranking System for primary, junior and senior secondary schools, in a move aimed at strengthening quality assurance and standardisation in Nigeria’s education sector.
The development comes amid a wave of public concern triggered by a viral social media video in which a mother of two raised alarm over the content of an English textbook used in her son’s school; alleging that it contains disturbing themes of violence and unsuitable material for young learners.
The viral video and follow-up claim of threats after questioning her child’s school textbook have continued to generate reactions, sparking broader debate about the approval and monitoring of learning materials in the country.
Government tightens textbook approval system
A statement posted on X (formerly Twitter) on 27 April by the Federal Ministry of Education said the new policy is designed to address the proliferation of textbooks and ensure that only high-quality, curriculum-compliant materials are approved for classroom use nationwide.
The Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, alongside the Minister of State for Education, Suwaiba Ahmad, a professor, said the Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC) would retain its statutory role of approving textbooks while approved textbooks will now undergo a structured national ranking process to determine the most suitable books for each subject and level.
According to the statement signed by the ministry’s Director of Press and Public Relations, Folasade Boriowo, the NERDC will establish Standing Subject Committees comprising experts to conduct rigorous evaluations based on academic and pedagogical standards. It added that only a limited number of top-ranked textbooks will be approved for use in schools across the country.
“Under the policy, any textbook not ranked will not be permitted for use, regardless of prior licensing status,” the statement said.
Implementation is expected to commence in September 2026 following stakeholder engagement and the completion of the evaluation framework.
Viral video sparks public concern
The policy announcement follows a viral video circulating on social media in which a mother of two raised concerns over what she described as inappropriate content in an English textbook used in her son’s school.
The video generated widespread reactions online, with parents and stakeholders expressing mixed views on the suitability and approval processes of textbooks used in Nigerian schools.
The woman later alleged that she had been pressured to take down the video and that she and her family had received threats following its circulation.
“I have been told to bring down the video. My life and that of my family are being threatened,” she said in a follow-up post.”
Though the federal government did not directly address the viral incident in its statement, it said the new textbook ranking system is part of broader efforts to improve learning outcomes and ensure access to quality educational resources nationwide.
The ministry maintained that the reform will enhance consistency in teaching materials and strengthen quality control across schools.
