FG Cuts Textbook Assessment Fees, Orders Refunds for Publishers

The Federal Government, through the Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC), has reduced textbook assessment and ranking fees and directed that publishers who paid the previous, higher charges be refunded. The move is aimed at easing financial pressure on publishers and authors ahead of the implementation of the National Textbook Ranking System scheduled to begin in September 2026.

According to a statement signed by the Executive Secretary of NERDC, Prof. Salisu Shehu, the textbook assessment fee has been reduced from ₦2,000 to ₦1,500 per page, while the ranking fee has been cut from ₦1 million to ₦750,000 per textbook title. He said the revised fees take immediate effect and are intended to encourage greater participation in the new textbook evaluation process. Publishers who had already paid the former assessment fee will receive refunds of the excess amount, with details of the refund process to be announced later.

The fee reduction comes after concerns from publishers over the high cost of the new assessment regime. Under the National Textbook Ranking System, only textbooks that are assessed, approved and ranked by NERDC will be authorised for use in Nigerian schools from September. The policy is designed to improve the quality of instructional materials and ensure that learners have access to curriculum-compliant textbooks.

NERDC urged publishers, authors and other stakeholders in the education sector to comply with the revised fee structure and continue submitting textbooks under the new guidelines. The council said the reform is part of the Federal Government's broader efforts to strengthen quality assurance in education while reducing the financial burden on stakeholders.