FG Introduces Nationwide Uniform Academic Calendar, Bans Textbooks Bundled with Workbooks
The federal government has unveiled a comprehensive education policy aimed at reducing the cost of schooling for parents while improving learning outcomes nationwide.
The policy, jointly issued on Friday by Education Minister Tunji Alausa and his deputy, Suwaiba Ahmed, focuses on sustainability in schools, promoting the use of high-quality, reusable textbooks and strengthening quality assurance mechanisms.
Key Highlights of the Education Policy
Uniform Academic Calendar:
The government has introduced a standardized academic calendar to ensure consistency in teaching, learning, and school planning across the country.
Ban on Bundled Workbooks:
Schools are now prohibited from selling disposable workbooks bundled with textbooks. This allows learning materials to be reused across multiple academic sessions, enabling siblings to share books and significantly reducing recurring education costs.
Durable Textbooks:
Standardized textbooks will be designed to last four to six years, with revisions only made when substantive improvements in content are introduced, rather than minor layout changes.
Streamlined Graduation Ceremonies:
To ease financial pressure on parents, graduation ceremonies will only be allowed for students completing Primary Six, Junior Secondary School 3, and Senior Secondary School 3.
Enhanced Quality Assurance:
The policy strengthens textbook selection, assessment, and instructional material use, with the Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC) playing a central role.
Limits on Approved Textbooks:
The government will cap the number of approved textbooks per subject and grade level, aligning Nigeria with international best practices in countries such as Japan, Kenya, and Tanzanian.
Why This Matters
Parents have long faced the burden of buying new textbooks annually, often without improvements in learning outcomes. By introducing structured revision cycles, limiting approved textbooks, and focusing on reusable, durable materials, the policy aims to:
Reduce education costs for families
Promote sustainability and reduce waste
Ensure nationwide access to quality instructional materials
Maintain high educational standards
Government Commitment
Minister Alausa and Deputy Minister Ahmed emphasized that these reforms are part of the federal government’s ongoing efforts to reposition the education sector. They also commended technical partners, including the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) and NERDC, for their contributions to developing the policy.
The reforms signal a major step toward equity, quality, and sustainability in Nigerian education, ensuring that families spend less while students receive better learning resources.
