FG introduces QR codes on school textbooks to combat fake books sales

The Federal Ministry of Education has released its official list of approved school textbooks for the 2026-2028 academic period, by introducing unique QR tracking codes on every approved title to combat fake instructional materials and improve transparency in Nigerian schools.

The new system was spearheaded by the Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, alongside the Minister of State for Education, Dr. Suwaiba Sa’id Ahmad.

The first phase of the national textbook ranking exercise covers key entry levels including Primary 1, Primary 4, Junior Secondary School 1 (JSS 1), and Senior Secondary School 1 (SSS 1).

Under the new system, each approved book will carry a unique Ranking and QR Tracking Code on the cover alongside basic details like the author, publisher, title, and year of publication. Parents, teachers, and school administrators can scan these codes to confirm that a textbook is genuine and aligns with the national curriculum.

The Director of Press and Public Relations at the ministry, Boriowo Folasade, explained that adding the digital tracking system took extra time, but it was necessary to ensure full accountability across the educational system.

“The introduction of the Ranking/QR Tracking Code represents an important step towards strengthening the monitoring and control of approved instructional materials. It ensures greater transparency in their selection, procurement, and utilization”, the ministry stated.

Education authorities have instructed publishers, private school owners, and state procurement agencies to strictly buy and distribute books listed on the official ministry register.

The ministry plan to extend the same digital verification and ranking process to textbooks for Primary 2, Primary 5, JSS 2, and SS 2.