Textbook Ranking Policy Sparks Debate Over Quality and Affordability in Nigerian Schools

The Federal Government’s efforts to improve the quality of teaching and learning materials in Nigerian schools have been widely welcomed by education stakeholders. Parents, teachers, authors, publishers, and school administrators all agree that students deserve accurate, curriculum-aligned, and high-quality textbooks that support better learning outcomes.

However, concerns are growing over the Federal Government’s newly introduced policy on the assessment, grading, and ranking of textbooks and publishers. While many support stronger quality assurance measures, critics argue that ranking publishers could create unintended consequences that may negatively affect access to affordable learning materials and the future of Nigeria’s publishing industry.

For many years, the National Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC) has been responsible for reviewing textbooks to ensure they comply with Nigeria’s national curriculum before recommending them for use in schools. Education experts note that this system has helped maintain quality standards without creating competition that favors only a few publishers.

Some stakeholders are asking why the existing evaluation process is being replaced instead of being strengthened. They believe any major education reform should be backed by clear evidence showing why the previous system was inadequate and how the new approach will improve educational outcomes.

Concerns Over Textbook Availability

One of the major concerns is that limiting government-approved textbooks to only a small number of highly ranked publishers could reduce the availability of learning materials across the country.

Nigeria has more than 60 million learners in basic and secondary education. Many stakeholders argue that relying on only a few publishers may lead to shortages, distribution challenges, and increased textbook prices, particularly in rural and underserved communities.

Education advocates warn that such a situation could place an additional financial burden on parents who are already struggling with the rising cost of living.

Rising Assessment Costs Worry Publishers

Publishers have also expressed concerns over reports of significantly higher textbook assessment fees under the proposed framework.

Industry representatives claim that evaluation costs have increased substantially, making it much more expensive to submit textbooks for approval. According to estimates from publishers, the total cost of evaluating books across multiple subjects could run into hundreds of millions of naira for some publishing companies.

Many believe these higher costs could eventually be transferred to parents through more expensive textbooks or force smaller indigenous publishing companies out of the market.

Possible Impact on Nigeria’s Publishing Industry

Education stakeholders say the publishing industry supports thousands of jobs, including writers, editors, illustrators, graphic designers, printers, distributors, and booksellers.

They warn that if only a few publishers receive government approval, many businesses may struggle to survive, potentially leading to job losses and reduced investment in educational publishing.

Calls for Transparency and Fair Competition

Some experts have also raised concerns about the possibility that a ranking system could encourage unfair competition or reduce public confidence if the selection process is perceived as lacking transparency.

They recommend that the government focus on setting clear quality standards that every publisher can meet rather than placing publishers in a competitive ranking.

Many countries adopt similar systems by certifying textbooks that meet curriculum and quality requirements without declaring one publisher superior to another.

Stakeholders Recommend Wider Consultation

Education stakeholders are urging the Federal Government to engage more extensively with publishers, teachers, authors, school proprietors, parents, and other industry professionals before fully implementing the policy.

They believe broader consultations would help identify potential challenges and ensure that any reform improves educational quality while maintaining affordability and equal access to learning materials.

Many stakeholders have therefore called on the government to review the proposed assessment charges, strengthen the existing textbook quality assurance process, and reconsider the publisher ranking system to ensure Nigerian students continue to have access to affordable, high-quality textbooks.