The Nigerian Publishers Association (NPA) has strongly criticised the decision by the Federal Ministry of Education to introduce a ranking system for classroom textbooks used in primary and secondary schools, a policy expected to take effect in the 2026/2027 academic session. The association expressed deep concern over the implications of such a move, warning that it could significantly disrupt the existing framework governing educational materials in the country.
In addition, the Ministry disclosed that the implementation of the policy would be handled by a specially selected committee rather than the Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC), the statutory agency responsible for curriculum development and textbook approval. This aspect of the announcement has further heightened concerns among stakeholders who believe that bypassing the established institution could undermine due process and institutional integrity.
According to a statement issued by the Executive Secretary of the NPA, Rotimi Iyiola, the policy appears, at face value, to be aimed at standardising the selection of textbooks and improving learning outcomes nationwide. He acknowledged that ensuring students have access to relevant, accurate, and affordable materials is a commendable objective. However, he stressed that a deeper evaluation of the policy reveals significant flaws relating to its constitutional basis, procedural approach, and potential economic consequences for the publishing industry.
The association argued that, rather than strengthening standards, the policy represents an overreach that could distort the education system. It maintained that the inherent shortcomings in the proposal make it fundamentally defective and unsuitable for implementation. As a result, the NPA called for its immediate withdrawal, describing it as harmful to the growth and stability of Nigeria’s educational sector.
Furthermore, the NPA emphasised that textbooks differ fundamentally from creative works in the arts, which are typically subjected to ranking or awards. It explained that textbooks are developed through structured academic processes guided strictly by approved curricula. These materials already undergo comprehensive evaluation using established qualitative and quantitative standards before being approved for use in schools.
The association also highlighted the rigorous role played by NERDC in reviewing textbooks. Once publishers complete their work, the materials are submitted to the council for vetting to ensure compliance with curriculum guidelines. Any deficiencies identified during this process are returned to publishers for correction before final approval is granted. Given this existing system, the NPA questioned the rationale behind creating an additional evaluation body to reassess already approved materials.
It further argued that the establishment of another committee to re-evaluate textbooks suggests motives beyond what has been officially stated. According to the association, such a move appears to undermine the authority and credibility of NERDC, a body legally mandated to oversee curriculum standards and instructional materials through a transparent and well-established process.
The NPA also interpreted the proposed ranking system as an implicit expression of distrust in NERDC’s procedures. It warned that this could either indicate a lack of confidence in the council’s own guidelines or point to hidden intentions that could compromise the integrity of an otherwise effective system that has guided Nigeria’s education sector for years.
Given these concerns, the association reiterated its firm opposition to the policy, describing it as inconsistent with globally accepted standards. It likened the initiative to unnecessarily dismantling a system that is already functioning efficiently, stressing that it cannot support what it considers a poorly conceived policy.
The NPA therefore urged the government to abandon the proposal at its planning stage. It emphasised that public policies must go beyond good intentions and adhere to constitutional provisions, respect institutional roles, ensure fairness in process, and protect economic stability within key sectors such as publishing.
The association also pointed out that education falls under the concurrent legislative list in the Nigerian constitution, meaning that state governments have the authority to determine and regulate instructional materials within their jurisdictions. It argued that the federal government’s approach appears overly centralised and could infringe on these constitutional rights.
In conclusion, the NPA called for a comprehensive review of the policy, insisting that achieving quality education requires inclusive and constitutionally sound approaches. It maintained that any reform must involve stakeholders, uphold transparency, and support the sustainability of the education and publishing sectors. According to the association, retaining the textbook ranking policy in its current form could ultimately undermine the very goals it seeks to achieve.