File: Education minister, Tunji Alausa

The Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council on Friday announced a final extension of the deadline for the submission of textbooks and other instructional materials for the “2026 Phase I assessment, reassessment and ranking exercise”, giving publishers, authors and other stakeholders until August 7, 2026, to complete their submissions.

The council said the extension, approved under the Federal Ministry of Education, follows the earlier deadline of July 3, 2026, and is intended to encourage wider participation in the national textbook evaluation exercise while providing eligible stakeholders additional time to finalise and submit their materials.

In a statement issued by the Executive Secretary of NERDC, Prof. Salisu Shehu, the council said the extension was granted to ensure that more publishers, authors and other participants in the book industry have the opportunity to take part in the 2026 Phase I textbook assessment process.

The statement read, “This final extension is being granted to ensure broader participation and provide publishers, authors, and other eligible stakeholders with an additional opportunity to complete and submit their materials for participation in the 2026 Phase I textbook assessment, reassessment, and ranking exercise.”

NERDC urged all intending participants to take advantage of the final window, stressing that every submission must comply with the approved procedures outlined in the Textbook Quality Indicators and Submission Guidelines.

The council noted that the guidelines remain unchanged and are available on its official website for prospective participants.

It further warned that the August 7 deadline is final and that no additional extension would be granted.

“No further extension will be granted, and late submissions received after the final deadline will not be accepted under any circumstances,” the council stated.

NERDC also thanked publishers, authors and other stakeholders for their continued cooperation and urged them to ensure prompt compliance with the submission requirements to facilitate a smooth assessment and ranking process.

The National Textbook Ranking System is one of the key reforms being implemented by the Federal Ministry of Education under the Renewed Hope Agenda to improve the quality of basic and secondary education.

Deborah Tolu-Kolawole

Deborah Tolu-Kolawole is a journalist at Punch Newspapers with four years of experience covering Nigeria’s vast education sector as well as related areas such as politics, health, security, and labour. She blends rigorous reporting with digital storytelling to bring clarity and insight to complex issues affecting learners, educators, and policymakers. Deborah was a nominee for The Future Awards Africa (TFAA) Prize in Journalism, recognising her impactful reporting and contributions to Nigerian media. Her work reflects strong newsroom experience, editorial judgment, and a commitment to accurate, audience-focused journalism. In addition to her reporting, she is fluent in multiple languages and serves as a contributing member of The Punch editorial board.