The Federal Ministry of Education has released the final list of ranked and approved textbooks for use in Nigerian schools from 2026 to 2028, with the introduction of QR-based tracking codes to strengthen transparency and accountability.
The ministry said the final list followed the completion of the first phase of the national textbook ranking exercise and covers textbooks for Primary 1, Primary 4, Junior Secondary School 1 (JSS 1) and Senior Secondary School 1 (SS 1).
Each approved textbook has been assigned a unique Ranking/QR Tracking Code, alongside key information including the title, author or authors, publisher and year of publication.
The ministry said the new system would make it easier to identify, monitor and track approved instructional materials across the country.
“The introduction of the Ranking/QR Tracking Code represents an important step towards strengthening the monitoring and control of approved instructional materials and ensuring greater transparency in their selection, procurement and utilisation,” the ministry said.
It added that the coding system was designed to strengthen accountability in the provision of textbooks and provide a clearer mechanism for monitoring approved materials.
The exercise was conducted under the guidance and leadership of the Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, and the Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suwaiba Sa’id Ahmad, with the final list approved by the Minister of Education.
The ministry explained that the additional process involved in generating and assigning unique codes to every ranked textbook contributed to the time required to complete and validate the final lists.
“The additional process of generating and assigning unique codes to each ranked textbook contributed to the time required to complete and validate the final lists,” it said.
The ministry said the ranking exercise was being implemented in phases, with preparations for the second round expected to commence following the completion and approval of the first phase.
The second phase will cover textbooks for Primary 2, Primary 5, JSS 2 and SS 2.
“The same identification and tracking measures will apply to the subsequent phase,” the ministry said.
The Federal Ministry of Education urged publishers, schools, education authorities, procurement agencies and other relevant stakeholders to consult the official approved list when selecting and procuring textbooks for the affected classes.
“The Federal Ministry of Education encourages all stakeholders to adhere to the approved list in the provision and use of textbooks for the specified classes,” the ministry said.
The ministry said the exercise formed part of the Federal Government’s commitment to ensuring that learners and teachers have access to quality, relevant and curriculum-aligned instructional materials.
It added that the initiative was also aimed at strengthening “transparency and accountability in textbook provision across Nigerian schools.”
The complete 2026–2028 Ranked and Approved Textbooks, including the Ranking/QR Tracking Code for each approved title, has been made available through the link provided by the ministry.
The ministry urged all stakeholders to comply with the approved list as the government continues efforts to improve the quality and accountability of instructional materials provided to schools.