The Federal Ministry of Education (FME) has released the final list of Ranked and Approved Textbooks for use in Nigerian schools for the 2026–2028 period, marking the completion of the first phase of the national textbook ranking exercise.

The announcement, made on September 28, 2026, introduces a new system of unique Ranking/QR Tracking Codes for approved textbooks, aimed at strengthening transparency, monitoring and accountability in the selection and use of instructional materials across the country.

The development represents an important step in the Federal Government's efforts to improve the quality and oversight of educational resources available to learners and teachers in Nigeria.

Four Class Levels Covered in the First Phase

According to the Federal Ministry of Education, the first phase of the textbook ranking exercise covers four class levels across primary and secondary education.

The approved textbooks are for:

• Primary 1

• Primary 4

• Junior Secondary School 1 (JSS 1)

• Senior Secondary School 1 (SS 1)

Each approved textbook is identified by its title, author(s), publisher, year of publication and a unique Ranking/QR Tracking Code.

These identifiers are intended to make it easier for schools, education authorities, procurement agencies and other relevant stakeholders to identify approved textbooks and monitor their use.

The final list was approved by the Honourable Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, CON, under whose leadership, alongside the Honourable Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suwaiba Sa’id Ahmad, the exercise was conducted.

New QR Tracking Codes to Strengthen Accountability

One of the key highlights of the 2026–2028 approved textbook list is the introduction of unique Ranking/QR Tracking Codes for every approved title.

The Ministry explained that the tracking system is designed to strengthen the monitoring and control of approved instructional materials while promoting transparency in textbook selection, procurement and utilisation.

By assigning unique codes to individual titles, the Ministry aims to improve the identification and monitoring of textbooks used in schools.

The additional process of generating and assigning these codes contributed to the time required to complete and validate the final lists.

The initiative forms part of broader efforts to ensure that approved educational resources are properly identified and that textbook provision across Nigerian schools is subject to stronger accountability measures.

Second Phase to Cover Four Additional Class Levels

With the first phase completed and approved, the Federal Ministry of Education has announced preparations for the second round of the national textbook ranking exercise.

The next phase will cover:

The Ministry confirmed that the same identification and tracking measures will apply to the subsequent phase.

The phased approach is intended to extend the textbook ranking and approval process to additional class levels, with the objective of supporting the provision of quality and curriculum-aligned instructional materials throughout the education system.

What Schools, Publishers and Education Stakeholders Need to Know

The Federal Ministry of Education has urged publishers, schools, education authorities, procurement agencies and other relevant stakeholders to consult the official approved textbook list when selecting and procuring textbooks for the affected classes.

For schools, this means checking the approved list before making textbook selections or procurement decisions for Primary 1, Primary 4, JSS 1 and SS 1 for the 2026–2028 period.

Publishers and other stakeholders involved in textbook distribution are also expected to take the approved titles and their unique tracking codes into account.

The Ministry further encouraged all relevant stakeholders to adhere to the approved list in the provision and use of textbooks for the specified classes.

Schools and procurement agencies should therefore consult the official document directly to verify approved titles, authors, publishers and associated tracking codes.

Access the Official 2026–2028 Approved Textbook List

The complete list of Ranked and Approved Textbooks, including the Ranking/QR Tracking Code assigned to each approved title, is available through the Federal Ministry of Education's official document.

2026–2028 Ranked and Approved Textbooks

Federal Ministry of Education, Nigeria

View Official Approved Textbook List

Schools, publishers and education authorities are encouraged to review the document carefully before making textbook-related decisions for the affected classes.

Advancing Quality and Transparency in Nigerian Education

The release of the final 2026–2028 approved textbook list reflects the Federal Government's commitment to ensuring that learners and teachers have access to quality, relevant and curriculum-aligned instructional materials.

With the introduction of unique tracking codes and preparations for the next phase of the ranking exercise, the Ministry is extending its efforts to strengthen oversight and accountability in textbook provision.

As the process continues, cooperation among schools, publishers, education authorities and procurement agencies will be important in ensuring that the approved materials are properly adopted and utilised.

The successful implementation of the ranking exercise across additional class levels will further extend the framework for textbook identification and approval throughout Nigerian schools.

Source: Federal Ministry of Education, Nigeria - Press Release dated September 28, 2026. Signed by Boriowo Folasade, Director of Press and Public Relations.