FG set to sanction schools, publishers over unapproved textbooks from September

The Federal Government will begin blacklisting schools, authors, and publishers using unapproved instructional materials from September, Nigerian Tribune reports. The directive coincides with the resumption of the 2026/2027 academic session.

Under the policy, NERDC licensing alone no longer guarantees classroom approval; textbooks must score at least 70% in a new national evaluation. Education Minister Tunji Alausa said the move targets global competitiveness.

Approved lists will cap at six to ten titles per subject, valid for three years. Nationwide monitoring teams will enforce compliance, with violators facing immediate blacklisting.