The Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC) has commenced a nationwide review of textbooks as part of efforts to improve the quality and relevance of learning materials used in schools across the country. The initiative also introduces a new ranking system designed to evaluate and approve educational resources based on set standards.

According to the development, the review exercise is aimed at ensuring that textbooks used in basic and secondary education align with Nigeria’s current curriculum, reflect accurate information, and support effective teaching and learning outcomes. The process is expected to involve subject experts, education stakeholders, and curriculum specialists who will assess existing materials and recommend necessary updates or replacements.

A key feature of the reform is the introduction of a ranking framework for approved textbooks and learning materials. Under this system, educational resources will be categorized based on quality, relevance, accuracy, and alignment with national educational goals. This is intended to help schools, teachers, and education authorities make more informed choices when selecting instructional materials.

NERDC stated that the initiative is part of broader efforts to strengthen the education sector and address long-standing concerns about outdated or inconsistent textbooks in circulation. By standardizing evaluation and approval processes, the council aims to improve consistency in teaching resources across schools nationwide.

Education stakeholders have generally viewed the move as a positive step, noting that better-regulated textbooks could enhance student understanding and reduce disparities in learning outcomes. However, they also emphasize the need for transparency in the ranking process and regular updates to reflect changes in the curriculum and global educational standards.

The review is expected to continue over the coming months, after which updated lists of approved and ranked textbooks will be made available to schools and publishers.