The Federal Government has released the final list of books approved for use in Nigerian schools for the 2026 to 2028 academic session. The shortlisted books cover the core syllabus for both primary and secondary education and will guide procurement decisions by states and private schools in the coming session.
What Publishers Should Expect
Publishers whose books made the list are expected to begin printing to meet the anticipated demand from schools that adopt them. Publishers whose books were not shortlisted will have to wait for the next review cycle, due in 2028, before they can update their materials for inclusion in the next approved list.
What States and Private Schools Are Doing
State governments and private schools have begun distributing the list, and education secretaries are working to ensure students have the learning materials they need. Because schools are expected to follow the approved list, books outside it are unlikely to be considered for adoption.
What Parents and Teachers Should Do
- Get the official list from your school before buying anything.
- Confirm titles, authors and editions for your child’s class, since the wrong edition can cause confusion in class.
- Buy only from trusted sellers to avoid poor-quality or counterfeit copies.
- Plan your budget early so you are not rushing when the term begins.
- Ask about second-hand options if your school allows approved books to be passed down.
Why the Review Cycle Matters
The final list marks another review cycle, which has become necessary to keep textbooks up to date with curricular requirements. Regular reviews mean students learn from current, syllabus-aligned material and not outdated content, and they give publishers a clear standard to meet.
If you are a parent, teacher or school owner, check with your local education office for any state-specific guidance. Approved lists guide schools, but implementation can differ from one state to another, so early confirmation saves time and money.
