NERDC Extends Textbook Assessment Deadline to July 3

The Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC) has extended the deadline for the submission of textbooks and instructional materials for assessment, reassessment and ranking under the 2026 Phase One exercise.

The extension, approved by the Federal Ministry of Education, moves the deadline from June 19 to July 3, 2026, giving publishers, authors, printers and other stakeholders in the book industry additional time to comply with the requirements of the new policy framework.

In a public notice signed by the Executive Secretary of NERDC, Professor Salisu Shehu, the council said the decision followed requests from stakeholders who sought more time to meet the conditions outlined in the newly introduced book assessment and ranking system.

According to the notice, the extension is intended to enable stakeholders complete their submissions in line with the Book Quality Guidelines and Submission Procedure issued by the council.

NERDC explained that the 2026 assessment exercise would be conducted in three phases covering all classes in primary, junior secondary and senior secondary schools.

The first phase will focus on Primary One, Primary Four, Junior Secondary School One and Senior Secondary School One, while subsequent phases will cover the remaining class levels.

The council stated that all textbooks earmarked for the target classes, including those previously assessed and approved, must be resubmitted for assessment or reassessment.

It noted that the requirement became necessary following the introduction of a ranking component into the textbook approval process.

According to the council, all books submitted for ranking would first undergo evaluation based on revised assessment procedures, standards and newly approved benchmarks.

“Books submitted after the extended deadline shall not be considered for assessment, reassessment and ranking in this phase,” the notice warned.

NERDC stressed that the July 3 deadline is final and that no further extension would be granted.

The council urged stakeholders in the publishing industry to take advantage of the additional window to complete their submissions and ensure strict compliance with all approved guidelines and procedures.

It also clarified that existing requirements, payment procedures and submission conditions contained in the earlier notice remain unchanged.

The council further disclosed that payment for assessment and ranking would follow the newly approved process as detailed in the Book Quality Guidelines available on its website.

NERDC said all submitted textbooks and instructional resources for Phase One would be assessed and ranked before July 31, 2026.

The council added that all correspondence relating to the exercise should be directed to its headquarters in Sheda, Abuja.