WorldStage— The Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC) has announced a final extension for the submission of textbooks and instructional materials to August 7, 2026.
The extension, according to the Council, applies to the 2026 Phase I assessment, reassessment, and ranking exercise.
Executive Secretary of NERDC, Prof. Salisu, Shehu stated that the shift is intended to encourage broader participation and give stakeholders adequate time to finalize quality materials.
The council explicitly ruled out any further extensions after original submission window closed on July 3, 2026.
The extension directly benefits publishers, authors, and other eligible stakeholders in the book industry.
Phase I submissions cover specific entry-level grades, including Primary 1, Primary 4, Junior Secondary School 1 (JSS1), and Senior Secondary School 1
The deadline is tied to a major education reform framework designed to standardise educational content across Nigeria.
Starting in September 2026, the Federal Government will implement the new National Textbook Ranking Policy, with only textbooks that undergo the specific NERDC assessment, approval, and ranking process permitted for classroom use.
To ease the financial burden on publishers before the rollout, the Ministry of Education recently slashed textbook assessment fees by 25% (reducing the cost from ₦2,000 to ₦1,500 per page) and ordered refunds for those who paid the old rate.
