The Federal Ministry of Education has released the final list of ranked and approved textbooks for use in Nigerian schools from 2026 to 2028. It also introduced a QR-based tracking system aimed at improving transparency, accountability and monitoring across the education sector.
Minister of Education, Dr Maruf Tunji Alausa, announced the development as part of the ministry’s efforts to strengthen the quality assurance process for instructional materials used in primary and secondary schools.
The approved list covers textbooks for Primary 1, Primary 4, Junior Secondary School 1 (JSS 1) and Senior Secondary School 1 (SS 1), following the completion of the first phase of the national textbook ranking exercise. 
According to the ministry, each approved textbook carries a unique Ranking/QR Tracking Code. The code contains key information, including the title, author, publisher and year of publication, enabling education authorities, schools and other stakeholders to identify and monitor approved materials more effectively.
Ministry Introduces QR Codes to Improve Accountability
The ministry conducted the exercise under the leadership of Dr Alausa and the Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suwaiba Sa’id Ahmad. Dr Alausa later approved the final list.
The ministry said the introduction of the Ranking/QR Tracking Code marks a significant step towards strengthening oversight of approved instructional materials and enhancing transparency in their selection, procurement and use.
Officials explained that the process of generating and assigning unique tracking codes to every approved textbook contributed to the time required to complete and validate the final list.
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Second Phase to Cover Additional Classes
The ministry is implementing the ranking exercise in phases. With the completion of the first phase, officials have begun preparations for the second round, which will cover textbooks for Primary 2, Primary 5, JSS 2 and SS 2.
The ministry said it will apply the same identification and tracking measures to all textbooks approved under the next phase of the exercise.
Ministry Urges Compliance with Approved List
The Federal Ministry of Education urged publishers, schools, education authorities, procurement agencies and other stakeholders to consult the approved list when selecting and purchasing textbooks for the affected classes.
The ministry said the initiative aligns with the Federal Government’s commitment to providing learners and teachers with quality, relevant and curriculum-aligned instructional materials while promoting greater transparency and accountability in textbook provision across Nigerian schools.
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It also confirmed that the complete 2026–2028 list of ranked and approved textbooks, including the Ranking/QR Tracking Code assigned to each title, is now available to stakeholders.
The ministry encouraged all stakeholders to comply with the approved list when providing and using textbooks for the specified classes.
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