By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

The Nigerian Publishers Association (NPA) has expressed reservations over the Federal Ministry of Education’s plan to introduce a classroom textbook ranking system for basic and secondary schools.

Specifically, it described the proposal as a fundamental policy overreach with far-reaching implications for Nigeria’s education sector.

The Ministry had announced that the policy, expected to take effect from the 2026/2027 academic session, would be implemented by a committee constituted outside the Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC), the statutory body established to develop curricula and oversee instructional materials nationwide.

Reacting to the development, Executive Secretary of the association, Rotimi Iyiola, said the initiative, though presented as a reform aimed at improving learning outcomes and standardising textbook selection, risks undermining established educational structures.

The association argued that textbooks are not creative works subject to competitive ranking, but structured academic outputs developed strictly in line with approved national curricula.

“The idea that textbooks can be ranked like awards in the creative arts sector is fundamentally flawed. Textbooks are the product of a regulated scientific and academic process anchored on the curriculum developed by the NERDC.”

The association further stressed that once textbooks are produced, they undergo a formal vetting process by the NERDC to ensure compliance with curriculum standards before approval for use in schools, adding that introducing an external ranking system would weaken this established regulatory framework.

The NPA also questioned the rationale for establishing an additional committee to reassess textbooks that have already been vetted and approved by the NERDC, describing the move as suggestive of a lack of confidence in the council’s statutory mandate.

“It raises serious questions when a body created by an Act of Parliament, and entrusted with curriculum development and quality assurance, has its processes effectively bypassed. This appears to be a vote of no confidence in an institution that has served Nigeria’s education system for decades.”

According to the group, the policy contradicts globally accepted standards for textbook evaluation and risks destabilising a system that has remained functional over the years. It warned that introducing such a ranking mechanism could amount to “reinventing the wheel in a way that damages a working structure.”

Beyond institutional concerns, the association raised constitutional issues, noting that education falls under the Concurrent Legislative List in the 1999 Constitution, allowing both federal and state governments to play roles in educational administration.

By centralising textbook ranking at the federal level, the NPA argued that the ministry risks encroaching on state authority over instructional materials within their jurisdictions.

“The federal ministry’s role is expected to be coordinative and advisory, not directive or monopolistic. This approach shifts the balance of federalism from cooperation to control,” the group noted.

The publishers also raised concerns over transparency in the proposed system, questioning the criteria for evaluating textbooks and the process for selecting committee members. It noted that key operational details of the ranking exercise had not been made public.

“Who appoints the committee? What safeguards exist against bias or undue influence? Why is a process affecting a national industry shielded from stakeholder scrutiny?” the association queried.

It added that transparency must be demonstrated through clear standards, inclusive participation, and verifiable procedures, warning that closed systems, regardless of intent, undermine public trust.

The NPA further criticised the exclusion of key stakeholders, particularly publishers, from the policy formulation process. It described the publishing sector as central to the education value chain, comprising authors, editors, printers, distributors, and investors whose roles are critical to content production and delivery.

Excluding such stakeholders, it said, raises serious concerns about fairness and inclusivity in policymaking.

On the economic front, the association warned that the policy could have significant consequences for Nigeria’s book industry, which operates as a complex value chain supporting thousands of jobs.

By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

President Bola Tinubu has approved the appointment of Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu as Nigeria’s new Minister of Foreign Affairs, following the resignation of Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, who stepped down ahead of his anticipated political move toward the 2027 elections.

Tinubu also nominated Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye as Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, subject to Senate confirmation.

These were contained in a statement by presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga on Wednesday.

According to him, the changes are intended to strengthen Nigeria’s diplomatic posture and align foreign policy with the administration’s economic priorities.

“These adjustments are part of ongoing efforts to reposition Nigeria’s foreign policy architecture for greater efficiency, strategic engagement, and stronger global partnerships,” the statement read.

Odumegwu-Ojukwu, a veteran diplomat and former Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, is expected to take over leadership of Nigeria’s external relations at a time when the administration is focusing on economic diplomacy, regional stability, and expanded international cooperation.

The presidency, in the same statement, emphasized her experience in international affairs, noting:

“Ambassador Odumegwu-Ojukwu brings decades of diplomatic experience and a deep understanding of Nigeria’s engagement with the global community,” the statement read.

Enikanolaiye, who previously served as Senior Special Assistant to the President on Foreign Affairs and International Relations, is a career diplomat with postings in several international capitals including Addis Ababa, London, Ottawa, Belgrade, and New Delhi.

The statement further described his nomination as part of efforts to strengthen continuity within Nigeria’s foreign service:

“Ambassador Enikanolaiye’s extensive experience across multiple diplomatic missions will support Nigeria’s evolving foreign policy objectives,” the statement added.

Tinubu congratulated both appointees and urged them to prioritize national interest, enhance economic diplomacy, and ensure improved welfare for Nigerians abroad.

The Senate Committee investigating the alleged misappropriation of funds in the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited has cautioned social media users and influencers against spreading false information about its ongoing probe.

The warning was issued during a committee sitting, where lawmakers stressed the importance of accurate reporting and public discourse as the investigation continues.

Chairman of the committee, Senator Ahmad Wadada, made the remarks while presiding over a session attended by former Chief Financial Officer of the NNPC, Umar Ajiya. Wadada emphasized that the committee’s work is focused on uncovering facts and should not be misrepresented by unverified claims circulating online.

According to Wadada, the committee’s investigation spans financial activities from 2012 to the present, a timeline that does not fully overlap with Ajiya’s tenure. He noted that the appearance of the former CFO was part of efforts to clarify specific financial records and transactions presented to the panel for review.

The committee commended Ajiya for honoring its invitation and cooperating with lawmakers. Members provided him with relevant documents during the session and requested detailed explanations to aid their understanding of the financial matters under scrutiny. The panel also indicated that it would carefully review all submissions before determining the next steps regarding its final report.

Reiterating its stance, the committee stressed that it has not accused any individual of theft or misappropriation of public funds. Wadada said that the investigation remains a fact-finding exercise and urged the public to refrain from drawing premature conclusions or assigning blame without evidence.

The lawmakers further issued a strong warning to social media handlers, urging them to desist from peddling falsehoods that could mislead the public or undermine the integrity of the investigative process.

They emphasized that misinformation could erode trust in public institutions and distract from the committee’s mandate.

In addition, the committee confirmed that it has sent formal communications to other key officials who have yet to appear before it, including former Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC, Mele Kyari, and senior executive Bala Wunti. The panel warned that failure to honor its invitation could attract further legislative action as the probe progresses.