FG Slashes Textbook Assessment Fees, Orders Refunds to Publishers

The Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC) has announced a reduction in textbook assessment and ranking charges, directing refunds to publishers who had paid the previous higher rates.

In a statement signed by the Executive Secretary, Prof. Salisu Shehu, the Council confirmed that assessment fees have been cut from N2,000 to N1,500 per page, while ranking fees have been reduced from N1 million to N750,000 per textbook title.

Prof. Shehu emphasized that the revised charges take immediate effect and are designed to ease financial pressure on publishers and authors participating in the Federal Government’s new National Textbook Ranking System (NTRS).

He added that publishers who had already paid the old rates will receive refunds, with details of the refund process to be announced soon.

The NTRS, set to commence in September 2026, is part of the Ministry of Education’s reforms under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

The policy mandates that only textbooks assessed, approved, and ranked by NERDC will be permitted in Nigerian classrooms.

Education Minister Dr. Tunji Alausa explained that the initiative aims to eliminate substandard textbooks and ensure learners have access to high-quality, curriculum-compliant materials.

Beyond approval, every textbook will undergo rigorous national evaluation and ranking by expert committees before being recommended for schools.

The textbook ranking system joins other reforms such as nationwide learning assessments, revival of Unity College e-libraries, expansion of digital learning infrastructure, and measures to tackle learning poverty affecting an estimated 42 million Nigerian children.

Officials say the fee reduction and ranking policy will strengthen quality assurance, promote excellence in educational publishing, and guarantee that only the best instructional materials are used across Nigeria’s classrooms.

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