The Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC) has launched a nationwide review of its textbook evaluation process, introducing a new ranking system aimed at improving the quality of instructional materials used in schools across the country.

The initiative forms part of NERDC’s ongoing efforts to strengthen educational standards and ensure that learners have access to reliable, relevant, and high-quality learning resources.

According to a public notice issued by the Council and signed by its Executive Secretary, Prof. Salisu Shehu, the 2026 Phase 1 Textbook Evaluation and Ranking Exercise will require publishers and other stakeholders to submit educational materials for assessment under a newly enhanced quality assurance framework.

A major feature of the new system is the introduction of a ranking mechanism for approved textbooks. Education experts believe this move will encourage healthy competition among publishers while raising the overall standard of books and learning resources available to schools nationwide.

NERDC explained that all textbooks, including those previously approved for the affected class levels, must be resubmitted for evaluation. This requirement follows the introduction of updated assessment benchmarks, quality standards, and ranking criteria that will guide the approval process.

The Council disclosed that the assessment exercise will be carried out in three phases. The first phase will focus on textbooks and instructional materials designed for Primary 1, Primary 4, Junior Secondary School (JSS) 1, and Senior Secondary School (SSS) 1 students. Additional phases will cover other class levels.

Publishers and stakeholders are expected to begin submissions for Phase 1 on June 8, 2026, with the submission window closing on June 19, 2026. NERDC emphasized that late submissions will not be accepted.

The Council urged publishers, authors, printers, distributors, and other stakeholders in the book industry to carefully study and comply with the revised Book Quality Guidelines and Submission Procedures available through its official channels.

NERDC further stated that the evaluation and ranking process for all submitted materials is expected to be completed by July 31, 2026. Upon completion, the Council will release an official list of approved and ranked textbooks and learning resources for use in Nigerian schools.

Education stakeholders have welcomed the initiative, noting that a transparent evaluation and ranking system could help schools, teachers, and parents make better decisions when selecting learning materials. The exercise is also expected to improve the overall quality of textbooks available to Nigerian learners and support better educational outcomes nationwide.