Publishers Reject Proposed Textbook Ranking Policy and N2,000 Assessment Fee Increase

The Nigerian Publishers Association (NPA) has raised concerns over a proposed policy by the Federal Ministry of Education to introduce a ranking system for educational textbooks, warning that the move could negatively affect fair competition within the publishing industry.

Speaking during a press briefing in Lagos, the National President of the association, Mr. Lukman Dauda, stated that the proposed policy could create an uneven playing field among publishers and lead to a situation where only a few companies dominate the educational publishing sector.

According to the association, the proposed ranking system is being introduced through the Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC). The NPA argues that the existing textbook evaluation process already provides a transparent and objective method for assessing educational materials and ensuring quality standards.

The publishers maintained that rather than introducing a ranking structure, government agencies should focus on strengthening the current assessment framework to improve efficiency and maintain fairness across the industry.

In addition to opposing the ranking policy, the association also expressed dissatisfaction with the proposed increase in textbook assessment fees. The fee is expected to rise from N300 per page to N2,000 per page, a change the NPA described as excessive and likely to increase the cost of producing educational materials.

The association warned that higher assessment costs could eventually be passed on to schools, parents, and students through increased textbook prices. This, they said, could make learning materials less affordable and reduce access to quality education for many Nigerian children.

Mr. Dauda noted that the publishing industry is already facing challenges associated with adapting to a recently introduced curriculum. He explained that many publishers are still making adjustments to meet new educational requirements, adding that the lack of an adequate transition period has placed additional pressure on the sector.

The NPA further estimated that the combined cost of textbook assessment and ranking could amount to more than N135 million for publishers producing materials across all subjects and educational levels. Such expenses, the association argued, could discourage investment in educational publishing and limit the availability of quality learning resources.

The publishers also called on the Federal Ministry of Education to provide greater clarity regarding the objectives of the proposed reforms and ensure transparency in their implementation. They urged policymakers, school administrators, parents, and other stakeholders to carefully consider the long-term implications of the policy on the affordability and accessibility of textbooks.

The association emphasized that publishers have continued to absorb rising production costs in an effort to keep textbooks within reach of Nigerian learners. It added that significant cost pressures often arise within distribution and supply chains rather than during the publishing process itself.

As discussions continue, the NPA has appealed to the federal government to review the proposed measures and adopt policies that support both educational quality and affordable access to learning materials for students across the country.