FG Releases Final Approved Textbook List for Nigerian Schools, Introduces QR Tracking

The Federal Ministry of Education has released the final list of ranked and approved textbooks for use in Nigerian schools for the 2026–2028 period, introducing unique Ranking/QR Tracking Codes to improve the identification and monitoring of instructional materials. The release follows the completion of the first phase of the Federal Government’s National Textbook Ranking exercise, which was introduced as part of efforts to strengthen the quality, selection and accountability of textbooks used in Nigerian public schools. According to a statement issued by the ministry’s Director of Press and Public Relations, Boriowo Folasade, the approved list covers four class levels: Primary 1, Primary 4, Junior Secondary School 1 and Senior Secondary School 1. Each textbook that has made the approved list carries a unique Ranking/QR Tracking Code. The code is accompanied by information including the textbook title, author or authors, publisher and year of publication. The ministry said the system is designed to make it easier for education authorities and other stakeholders to identify approved instructional materials and monitor their selection, procurement and use. The introduction of the tracking system is part of the Federal Government’s wider National Textbook Ranking System, which the Ministry of Education announced in August as a new framework for evaluating and approving textbooks for public schools. Four class levels covered in first phase The first phase of the exercise does not cover every class level. The Federal Ministry of Education said the approved list currently applies to Primary 1, Primary 4, JSS 1 and SS 1. The ministry explained that the ranking exercise is being implemented in phases. Following the completion of the first phase, preparations will begin for the second phase, which will cover Primary 2, Primary 5, JSS 2 and SS 2. The same Ranking/QR Tracking Code system will be applied to textbooks approved during the subsequent phase. This means that schools and other education stakeholders should not interpret the first list as a complete textbook list covering every class from primary through senior secondary education. Why the Federal Government introduced the system The National Textbook Ranking System was announced by Education Minister Maruf Tunji Alausa in August as a reform of the country's textbook approval process. Under the new system, textbooks are evaluated and ranked before they can be approved for use in public schools. The Federal Government previously stated that obtaining a Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council licence would no longer, by itself, qualify a textbook for classroom use. Instead, licensed textbooks would undergo additional evaluation and ranking, with titles required to meet prescribed academic, pedagogical, technical and quality standards before receiving final approval. The government also said only the highest-performing titles would be selected, with the number of approved textbooks per subject expected to range between six and 10 depending on curriculum requirements. The policy was designed to address concerns about the quality and suitability of instructional materials and to establish a more structured process for determining which textbooks should be used in public schools. QR codes intended to improve accountability The ministry said the newly introduced Ranking/QR Tracking Code would provide another layer of accountability in the textbook approval process. By attaching a unique code to each approved title, authorities can more easily distinguish textbooks that have passed through the national ranking exercise from materials that have not received approval. The ministry said the codes would strengthen the monitoring and control of approved instructional materials and promote greater transparency in their selection, procurement and utilisation. The additional process of generating and assigning the codes also contributed to the time required to complete and validate the first list, according to the ministry. Vanguard similarly reported that the QR-based system is intended to improve transparency and provide a mechanism for tracking instructional materials used in schools. Schools and publishers urged to follow approved list The Ministry of Education has urged publishers, schools, education authorities, procurement agencies and other stakeholders to consult the official approved list when selecting and purchasing textbooks for the affected classes. It also urged stakeholders to comply with the approved list when providing and using textbooks for the specified class levels. The directive is significant because the Federal Government had earlier announced that only textbooks evaluated, ranked and approved under the National Textbook Ranking System would be authorised for use in public schools from September 2026. The government also warned that the use of unapproved textbooks could attract sanctions, including the blacklisting of defaulting schools, publishers and authors. Approved textbooks now available The ministry has made the complete 2026–2028 ranked and approved textbook list available through its designated platform. The list contains the approved titles alongside their respective Ranking/QR Tracking Codes and other identifying information. The publication of the list gives schools and education authorities a reference point for selecting textbooks for Primary 1, Primary 4, JSS 1 and SS 1 during the period covered by the first phase. The Federal Government said the broader exercise is intended to ensure that teachers and learners have access to instructional materials that are relevant to the curriculum and meet established quality requirements. Second phase expected to expand coverage With the first phase completed, the Ministry of Education is expected to begin preparations for the second stage of the ranking exercise. That stage will cover Primary 2, Primary 5, JSS 2 and SS 2, with the same identification and tracking measures to be applied to approved textbooks. The phased approach means the national textbook ranking exercise will progressively extend across additional class levels rather than introducing all approved textbooks at once. For schools currently covered by the first phase, the ministry's latest directive is to rely on the officially approved list when selecting and procuring textbooks. The Federal Government says the overall objective is to improve the quality and relevance of instructional materials while making their selection, procurement and use more transparent and easier to monitor.