FG unveils new policy to cut education costs, limit textbook changes nationwide
The Federal Government has launched a new policy framework to reduce education costs for parents while improving learning outcomes. Education Minister Dr. Tunji Alausa and Minister of State Prof. Suwaiba Ahmed announced the policy Friday in Abuja, addressing rising expenses and frequent textbook changes affecting families nationwide.
The framework mandates standardised, high-quality textbooks designed to last four to six years. Schools can no longer bundle disposable workbooks with textbooks. This allows siblings to share materials and cuts recurring costs. Textbook revisions must follow structured cycles reflecting substantive content improvements, not cosmetic changes. The policy also limits approved textbooks per subject and grade level to align with international best practices in countries like Japan and Kenya.
Beyond textbooks, the policy introduces a uniform academic calendar for consistent school planning nationwide. Graduation ceremonies are streamlined—only Primary Six, Junior Secondary School 3, and Senior Secondary School 3 students can hold graduations to reduce financial pressure on parents. The Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council will ensure only curriculum-aligned textbooks are approved.
These reforms follow recent government actions including curriculum reviews to reduce content overload, new admission guidelines creating space for 250,000–300,000 additional students yearly, a digital teacher registration portal, and measures tackling WAEC/NECO exam malpractice. With education expenses being a major household burden, will these reforms meaningfully cut your family's school costs or address learning quality concerns?