The Federal Ministry of Education has released the final list of ranked and approved textbooks for use in Nigerian schools between 2026 and 2028, introducing a new Ranking/QR Tracking Code for every approved title.

The release follows the completion of the first phase of the National Textbook Ranking exercise, with the approved list covering Primary 1, Primary 4, Junior Secondary School 1 (JSS1) and Senior Secondary School 1 (SS1).

According to the ministry, each approved textbook carries a unique tracking code alongside information identifying its title, author or authors, publisher and year of publication. The system is designed to make approved instructional materials easier to identify and monitor.

The ministry said the QR tracking system is intended to strengthen accountability in the selection, procurement and use of textbooks across schools.

The exercise was conducted under the supervision of Education Minister Maruf Tunji Alausa and Minister of State for Education Suwaiba Sa’id Ahmad, with the final list approved by Alausa.

The introduction of the tracking codes also contributed to the time required to complete and validate the final list, according to the ministry.

The government had earlier announced that the National Textbook Ranking System would become the basis for determining textbooks authorised for use in public schools from September 2026. The policy requires textbooks to undergo evaluation and ranking before approval, with approved titles expected to remain valid for at least three years.

Second phase to cover more classes

The textbook approval exercise is being implemented in phases.

The ministry said preparations will now begin for the second phase, which will cover Primary 2, Primary 5, JSS2 and SS2. The same ranking and tracking measures are expected to apply to textbooks approved under that phase.

Publishers, schools, education authorities and procurement agencies have been directed to consult the official approved list when selecting and purchasing textbooks for the affected classes.

The ministry also urged stakeholders to comply with the approved list in the provision and use of instructional materials.

Some approved titles

Among the mathematics textbooks approved for Primary 1 are STAN PLACE Mathematics, Eduwaves Mathematics, New Mathematics, Extension Modern Mathematics, New Waves Mathematics, Marvellous Mathematics and Royal Intensive Mathematics.

Primary 4 mathematics titles include Reddot Complete Primary Mathematics, Everyday Mathematics and Smart Mathematics, alongside titles approved for Primary 1.

Approved JSS1 mathematics titles include Meybiks Mathematics, Digital Mathematics, New Excellent Mathematics, Ideal Tutor Mathematics, Progress in Mathematics, New Concept Mathematics and International Brainy Mathematics.

The English titles approved across the affected primary classes include Reddot Interactive Primary English, New Smart English, Eduwaves Proper English, Extension Modern English, Tanus New Basic English, Marvellous English Studies and Ideal Tutor Core English.

The Federal Government says the ranking system is intended to improve the quality and relevance of instructional materials while creating greater transparency around their selection and use.

The complete 2026–2028 approved list, including the individual Ranking/QR Tracking Codes, has been made available by the ministry for schools, publishers and other stakeholders to consult before procuring textbooks.