The Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC) has announced the commencement of submissions for the 2026 Phase 1 textbook assessment, reassessment, and ranking exercise in line with the Federal Ministry of Education’s new policy aimed at improving the quality and selection of educational materials in schools.

In a public notice issued by the Executive Secretary of NERDC, Professor Salisu Shehu, stakeholders in the book industry, including publishers, authors, printers, distributors, and other practitioners, were invited to submit textbooks and instructional resources for evaluation.

According to the notice, the new policy introduces a ranking system into the book assessment and approval process, requiring all textbooks, including those previously approved, to undergo fresh assessment or reassessment based on updated standards and benchmarks.

NERDC stated that the 2026 assessment exercise will be conducted in three phases. Phase 1 will cover Primary 1, Primary 4, Junior Secondary School (JSS) 1, and Senior Secondary School (SS) 1 textbooks; Phase 2 will focus on Primary 2, Primary 5, JSS 2, and SS 2; while Phase 3 will assess materials for Primary 3, Primary 6, JSS 3, and SS 3.

The Council disclosed that submission of textbooks and instructional resources for Phase 1 will commence on June 8, 2026, and close on June 19, 2026. It emphasized that late submissions will not be considered for assessment and ranking during the phase.

NERDC further explained that all textbooks intended for ranking must first pass through the improved assessment process, which incorporates newly approved quality standards and evaluation benchmarks.

The Council noted that payment for assessment and ranking will follow a newly approved procedure detailed in the Book Quality Guidelines and Submission Procedure available on the official NERDC website, [NERDC](https://www.nerdc.gov.ng?utm_source=chatgpt.com).

According to the notice, assessment and ranking of all submitted textbooks and instructional resources are expected to be completed by July 31, 2026.

NERDC advised all stakeholders to comply strictly with the guidelines and direct all correspondence regarding the exercise to the Executive Secretary, Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council, Sheda, Abuja.

The announcement was signed by Professor Salisu Shehu and dated June 4, 2026.