FG Unveils Nationwide Academic Calendar, Bans Bundled Textbooks to Cut Education Costs

The federal government has introduced a new policy framework aimed at lowering education costs for parents while improving learning outcomes in schools across the country.

Announced jointly by the Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, and his deputy, Suwaiba Ahmed, the policy emphasizes the use of durable, high-quality textbooks designed to last four to six years. It also bans the bundling of disposable workbooks with textbooks, a practice that has often forced parents to make repeated purchases each year.

The ministers explained that reusable textbooks would allow siblings to share materials, reduce recurring costs, and limit environmental waste.

The framework also establishes a nationwide uniform academic calendar to standardize teaching and learning schedules and school planning. Graduation ceremonies will now be limited to students completing Primary Six, Junior Secondary School 3, and Senior Secondary School 3, helping to curb unnecessary expenses for families.

Other provisions include structured revision cycles for textbooks to ensure updates deliver meaningful improvements in content rather than superficial changes. The policy also limits the number of approved textbooks per subject and grade level, in line with international standards in countries such as Japan, Kenya, and Tanzania.

The Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council will continue to oversee the assessment and quality assurance of instructional materials, collaborating with relevant agencies to ensure that only curriculum-aligned textbooks are approved for use in schools.

The ministers described the reforms as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen educational standards, enhance equity, and make quality learning materials more accessible nationwide.