FG Eyes Six-year Lifespan for Textbooks in New Quality Assurance Policy

The Federal Government of Nigeria has unveiled a comprehensive policy framework aimed at reducing the cost of education for parents, improving learning outcomes, and promoting sustainability in schools through the adoption of reusable, high-quality textbooks and the strengthening of quality assurance mechanisms.

The policy, jointly issued by the Minister of Education, Dr Maruf Alausa, and the Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suwaiba Ahmad, forms part of ongoing reforms to reposition Nigeria’s education sector and ease the financial burden on families.

This was contained in a statement signed by the Director of Press and Public Relations of the Ministry, Boriowo Folasade, on Friday.

The ministers explained that the policy prioritises the use of standardised, durable textbooks designed to last between four and six years, while expressly prohibiting the bundling of disposable workbooks with textbooks in schools.

The statement quoted the ministers as saying, “Our goal is to ensure that education is both qualitative and affordable.

“By transitioning to durable, reusable textbooks, we are making it possible for siblings to share materials, significantly lowering recurring costs for parents and reducing waste within the school system.”

This approach is intended to ensure that learning materials can be reused across multiple academic sessions, thereby supporting environmental sustainability