The Federal Government has ended the one-student-per-textbook practice in Nigerian schools, introducing a new policy that allows textbooks to be reused over several years.
The Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Alausa, and the Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suwaba Sai’d, said the move will reduce education costs for parents, improve learning, and support environmental sustainability.
Under the policy, schools will now use durable, standardised textbooks designed to last between four and six years. The government has also banned the practice of attaching disposable workbooks to textbooks, making it possible for books to be shared among siblings and reused by other students.
According to the ministers, the policy will significantly cut the cost of buying new textbooks every academic session and reduce waste in schools.
The reforms also introduce a uniform academic calendar across the country to improve planning and consistency in teaching.
In addition, graduation ceremonies have been limited to pupils completing Primary 6, Junior Secondary School 3, and Senior Secondary School 3, easing financial pressure on parents.
The Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC) will continue to approve and monitor textbooks to ensure they meet curriculum standards.
The Federal Government said the reforms are part of ongoing efforts to make education more affordable, fair, and effective for learners across Nigeria.
