The Federal Government has barred graduation ceremonies for pupils below Primary 6 and directed schools to adopt reusable, high-quality textbooks as part of new reforms to reduce education costs and improve learning outcomes.
The policy framework was announced on Friday by the Minister of Education, Dr Maruf Tunji Alausa, alongside the Minister of State for Education, Prof Suwaba Sai’d.
The initiative is aimed at easing the financial burden on parents, promoting sustainability, and strengthening Nigeria’s education system.
Under the new guidelines, schools are required to use standardised and durable textbooks designed to last between four and six years.
The policy also prohibits the bundling of disposable workbooks with textbooks, a practice the government says forces parents to make unnecessary yearly purchases.
According to the ministers, the measure will allow textbooks to be reused across multiple academic sessions, enable siblings to share learning materials, reduce waste, and significantly cut recurring education expenses.
As part of the broader reforms, the Federal Government has also introduced a uniform academic calendar to ensure nationwide consistency in teaching, learning, and school planning.
On graduation ceremonies, the government announced new limits to curb excessive spending by families.
Only pupils and students completing Primary 6, Junior Secondary School 3 (JSS3), and Senior Secondary School 3 (SSS3) will be permitted to hold graduation ceremonies.
All other graduation events, including those for pre-primary and lower classes, have been banned.
The ministers explained that the policy addresses longstanding concerns over frequent but cosmetic textbook revisions that compel parents to buy new books annually without meaningful content improvements.
Under the new framework, textbook revisions must demonstrate substantial changes in content rather than minor layout adjustments.
The reforms also introduce limits on the number of approved textbooks per subject and grade level, in line with international best practices.
The Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC) will continue to oversee the assessment and approval of curriculum-aligned instructional materials.
Reaffirming its commitment to education reform, the Federal Government said the new framework is designed to safeguard standards, promote equity, lower costs for parents, and ensure learners nationwide have access to quality educational resources.