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 QR tracking codes to strengthen monitoring and accountability in textbook selection and procurement.
The release, announced on Monday, September 28, follows the completion of the first phase of the National Textbook Ranking System, which covers four class levels across primary and secondary education.
According to the ministry, the approved textbooks are for Primary 1, Primary 4, Junior Secondary School 1 (JSS 1) and Senior Secondary School 1 (SS 1).
Director of Press and Public Relations, Boriowo Folasade, disclosed the development in a statement, urging schools, publishers and education authorities to consult the approved list before selecting or purchasing textbooks for the affected classes.
FG introduces QR codes for approved textbooks
Under the new system, every approved textbook carries a unique Ranking/QR Tracking Code, alongside its title, author or authors, publisher and year of publication.
The ministry said the identification system would make it easier to verify approved instructional materials and improve accountability in their selection, procurement and utilisation.
It explained that the introduction of the codes was intended to strengthen the monitoring and control of textbooks used in Nigerian schools.
“The introduction of the Ranking/QR Tracking Code represents an important step towards strengthening the monitoring and control of approved instructional materials and ensuring greater transparency in their selection, procurement and utilisation,” the statement said.
The ministry also explained that the additional process of generating and assigning unique codes contributed to the time required to complete and validate the final lists.
Second phase to cover four additional classes
The Federal Government said the national textbook ranking exercise would be implemented in phases, with preparations for the second round expected to commence following the completion and approval of the first phase.
The next phase will cover textbooks for Primary 2, Primary 5, JSS 2 and SS 2.
According to the ministry, the same identification and tracking measures will apply to the subsequent phase, extending the system to additional levels of basic and secondary education.
The exercise was conducted under the guidance of the Minister of Education, Dr Maruf Tunji Alausa, and the Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suwaiba Sa’id Ahmad, with Alausa granting final approval to the list.
Schools, publishers directed to consult approved list
The ministry urged publishers, schools, education authorities, procurement agencies and other stakeholders to use the official approved list when selecting and procuring textbooks for the affected classes.
It also encouraged stakeholders to comply with the approved titles in providing and using instructional materials for the specified levels.
The directive comes as the Federal Government moves to strengthen oversight of textbooks used in schools through its National Textbook Ranking System.
In August 2026, the Federal Government announced the introduction of the system, stating that only nationally ranked and approved textbooks would be authorised for use in public schools from September 2026.
The ministry said the exercise was part of efforts to ensure that teachers and learners have access to quality, relevant and curriculum-aligned instructional materials.
It added that the initiative was also designed to promote transparency and accountability in textbook provision across Nigerian schools.
The ministry urged all relevant stakeholders to adhere to the approved list as the ranking exercise progresses to additional class levels.
