In a significant shift away from the practice of yearly textbook purchases, several Nigerian states are implementing policies to promote the reuse of textbooks, aiming to alleviate financial pressure on parents and foster greater sustainability in education.
Historically, up until the 1990s, textbooks were a cherished resource, passed down through siblings and relatives due to infrequent curriculum changes. However, the landscape began to transform with the rise of private schools and a more rapid cycle of textbook revisions. Compounding this issue, publishers introduced textbooks with integrated spaces for homework, effectively rendering them single-use and compelling parents to purchase new sets annually.
This unsustainable practice has sparked a nationwide campaign, gaining momentum with key policy changes enacted in August 2025:
- Benue State: Issued a circular abolishing customized or non-transferable textbooks. Schools are mandated to revert to passing down books, and compulsory extended lessons and early-grade graduation ceremonies have been banned.
- Edo State: Approved a policy allowing approved textbooks to be reused for at least four years, particularly for younger siblings. This initiative targets cost reduction and discourages the yearly turnover of books. Restrictions on early-grade graduation ceremonies were also implemented.
- Imo State: Prohibited the annual replacement of textbooks, mandating a minimum four-year usage period for both public and private schools. Graduation ceremonies in nursery and Junior Secondary levels are also banned under this policy.
- Anambra State: Banned the practice of students writing assignments directly in textbooks, deeming it unsustainable. This move aims to ensure textbooks can be reused, especially by younger siblings, with strict enforcement promised.
Calls for National Standardization:
The National Parent Teacher Association of Nigeria (NAPTAN) has thrown its weight behind these state-level initiatives. Adeolu Ogunbanjo, Chairman of NAPTAN’s Board of Trustees, urged the Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC) to mandate a longer lifespan for textbooks, ideally at least four years, and to resist pressure from publishers seeking frequent stock depletion. Ogunbanjo advocates for the use of exercise books for homework, preserving textbooks for future use.
The Case for Wider Adoption:
Experts and parents highlight several benefits of these reusable textbook policies:
- Alleviating Financial Burden: Reduces the significant annual spending parents face on new textbooks.
- Promoting Sustainability: Preserves resources by discouraging the destructive practice of writing directly in textbooks.
- Reducing Inequality: Levels the educational playing field by making textbooks accessible across different income levels, countering accusations of ‘book racketeering’ by some institutions.
These state-level reforms represent a crucial step towards making education more accessible, sustainable, and equitable for all Nigerian children.