The Federal Government has announced a new national policy framework aimed at reducing the cost of education for parents while improving learning outcomes for students across the country.

 

The policy was unveiled on Friday by the Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, alongside the Minister of State for Education, Dr Suwaiba Ahmed. According to the ministers, the initiative is part of broader reforms targeted at easing the financial burden on families and repositioning Nigeria’s education sector for efficiency, equity and quality delivery.

 

A major feature of the framework is the promotion of reusable, high-quality textbooks designed to last between four and six years. Under the new policy, the sale of disposable workbooks packaged together with textbooks has been prohibited. The government said the practice has contributed significantly to rising education costs for parents without corresponding improvements in learning outcomes.

 

By encouraging durable textbooks that can be reused across academic sessions and shared among siblings, the policy is expected to lower recurring education expenses while also supporting environmental sustainability.

 

The framework also introduces a standardized academic calendar to be observed nationwide, a move the government said would enhance coordination and stability within the education system. In addition, graduation ceremonies will now be streamlined and limited to specific terminal classes: Primary Six, Junior Secondary School Three (JSS 3) and Senior Secondary School Three (SS 3).

 

Further measures outlined in the policy include strengthened assessment systems, improved quality assurance mechanisms and stricter guidelines for the selection of instructional materials. The government noted that frequent cosmetic revisions of textbooks—often involving minor layout changes—have imposed unnecessary annual costs on parents. Going forward, textbook revisions must reflect substantial content improvements rather than superficial alterations.

 

The ministers reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to safeguarding educational standards, promoting equitable access to quality learning materials and reducing the financial pressure on households. They also acknowledged the roles of key agencies, including the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) and the Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC), in supporting the development and implementation of the reforms.