NERDC disowns fake curriculum fund appeal, warns public against scams

The Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council has extended the deadline for submitting textbooks and instructional materials for the 2026 Phase I assessment, reassessment, and ranking exercise to August 7, 2026. This final extension, approved by the Federal Ministry of Education, comes after an initial deadline of July 3, 2026. Publishers, authors, and other stakeholders now have until August 7 to finalize and submit their materials for consideration in the national textbook evaluation process. The decision was announced by the Executive Secretary of NERDC, Prof. Salisu Shehu, who emphasized that the extension aims to promote broader participation in the assessment program. According to the statement released by NERDC, the move ensures that more stakeholders in the publishing and educational sectors can contribute to the initiative. The council reiterated that the guidelines for submission remain unchanged and are accessible on its official website for reference. All participants are urged to adhere strictly to the submission procedures outlined in the Textbook Quality Indicators and Submission Guidelines. The August 7 deadline is described as final, with no possibility of further extensions. Late submissions will not be accepted under any circumstances, according to the council's directive. NERDC expressed gratitude to publishers, authors, and other stakeholders for their ongoing collaboration and encouraged them to meet the submission requirements promptly to support a seamless assessment and ranking process. The National Textbook Ranking System is a core component of the Federal Ministry of Education’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which seeks to enhance the quality of basic and secondary education in Nigeria. By implementing this system, the ministry aims to standardize the evaluation of educational materials and ensure that students receive high-quality resources. The reform underscores the government’s commitment to improving educational outcomes through structured oversight and accountability. The extension follows previous announcements regarding the assessment process, which had initially set a deadline of July 3, 2026. Stakeholders were given additional time to prepare their materials, reflecting the ministry’s effort to accommodate the complexities of the task. The revised deadline allows for greater flexibility, particularly for smaller publishers and independent authors who may require more time to complete their submissions. The assessment process involves evaluating textbooks based on predefined criteria, including content accuracy, pedagogical value, and alignment with curriculum standards. The rankings generated from this process will influence the selection of textbooks used in schools nationwide. This system is designed to foster competition among publishers, encouraging innovation and adherence to quality benchmarks. The announcement was made following discussions with relevant stakeholders, including publishers, academic institutions, and educational experts. These consultations highlighted the need for additional time to ensure comprehensive and compliant submissions. The extension aligns with the ministry’s goal of creating a robust framework for educational resource management. As the deadline approaches, NERDC continues to monitor the progress of submissions and is prepared to address any logistical challenges that may arise. The council has also emphasized the importance of timely compliance, noting that delays could impact the overall effectiveness of the assessment process. With the final deadline fast approaching, stakeholders are advised to prioritize meeting the submission requirements to participate in the 2026 Phase I exercise.