The Federal Government has rolled out a comprehensive policy framework designed to reduce the financial burden on parents, improve learning outcomes, and promote sustainability in Nigeria’s education system. Key measures include restrictions on graduation ceremonies and a directive mandating the reuse of textbooks in schools.
The policy was unveiled on Friday by the Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, alongside the Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suiwaba Sai’d, as part of ongoing reforms aimed at repositioning the nation’s education sector.
Graduation Ceremonies Streamlined
Under the new guidelines, graduation ceremonies have been significantly streamlined to curb excesses. The Federal Government barred graduation ceremonies for Pre-Primary 6 pupils, while limiting approved ceremonies strictly to students completing Primary 6, Junior Secondary School 3 (JSS3), and Senior Secondary School 3 (SSS3).
Even at these levels, schools have been warned against extravagant celebrations that impose compulsory levies for gowns, souvenirs, parties, and other non-academic expenses.
According to the ministers, graduation ceremonies have become increasingly commercialised, placing unnecessary pressure on parents and diverting attention from academic achievement. They stressed that progression from one level to another does not require elaborate ceremonies.
Reusable Textbooks to Replace Annual Purchases
A major pillar of the reform is the introduction of reusable, high-quality textbooks designed to last between four and six years. Schools have been directed to reuse textbooks that remain in good condition, allowing materials to serve multiple academic sessions.
The policy also enables siblings to share textbooks, significantly cutting down recurring education costs for families.
Disposable Workbooks Banned
The new framework expressly prohibits the bundling of disposable workbooks with textbooks — a practice that has forced parents to purchase new books every academic year.
“This approach ensures that learning materials can be reused across multiple sessions, lowering costs for parents and reducing waste within the school system,” the ministers explained.
Meaningful Revisions, Not Cosmetic Changes
To address longstanding concerns over superficial textbook updates, the Federal Government introduced structured and meaningful revision cycles. Under the policy, textbook revisions must reflect substantive improvements in content rather than minor changes in layout, design, or pagination.
This measure is expected to extend the lifespan of approved textbooks and deliver better value for money.
Limits Placed on Approved Textbooks
The reforms also place limits on the number of approved textbooks per subject and grade level, in line with international best practices observed in countries such as Japan, Kenya, and Tanzania.
According to the ministers, this will improve quality, reduce market saturation, and simplify textbook selection processes for schools and education authorities.
NERDC Retains Quality Control Role
The Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC), will continue to play a central role in assessing and assuring the quality of instructional materials, working with relevant agencies to ensure that only curriculum-aligned textbooks are approved for use nationwide.
Uniform Academic Calendar Introduced
As part of broader reforms, the Federal Government has also introduced a uniform academic calendar to promote consistency in teaching, learning, and school planning across the country.
Government Reaffirms Commitment to Education Reform
Commending the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), NERDC, and other technical partners for their contributions, the ministers reaffirmed the government’s commitment to education renewal.
“The Federal Government remains resolved to safeguard educational standards, promote equity, reduce costs for parents, and ensure that learners across Nigeria have access to high-quality instructional materials that support effective teaching and learning outcomes,” they said.