FG unveils 82 Nigerian-authored textbooks to boost tertiary education

2026-03-11 - 15:07

By Joseph Erunke, Abuja The Federal Government on Wednesday unveiled 82 academic textbooks authored by Nigerian scholars, in a major initiative aimed at strengthening teaching, learning, and research across the nation’s tertiary institutions. The Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, presented the books at a public ceremony in Abuja, describing the project as a milestone in promoting academic excellence and reducing reliance on foreign publications. Developed under the Higher Education Book Development Intervention Project of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), the initiative also secured 10 additional titles by prominent scholars for distribution to universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education nationwide. Alausa highlighted that Nigerian institutions have long relied heavily on foreign textbooks, a practice that strains foreign exchange reserves and limits opportunities for local authors. “Promoting Nigerian-authored academic materials will not only reduce dependence on imported books but also provide students and lecturers with resources tailored to the country’s needs,” he said. The minister noted that the intervention would particularly strengthen disciplines such as science, technology, and engineering, which are crucial to Nigeria’s national development. He explained that the TETFund Book Development Intervention focuses on publishing academic textbooks, supporting professional association journals, and establishing academic publishing centres in tertiary institutions. Alausa praised the authors, publishers, and other stakeholders for their contributions and acknowledged the support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for ongoing reforms aimed at revitalising the education sector and maintaining stable academic calendars. He expressed optimism that the textbooks would improve access to quality learning materials and bridge gaps in indigenous academic publishing. The Executive Secretary of TETFund, Arc. Sonny Echono, explained that the project addresses the persistent shortage of quality tertiary-level textbooks in Nigeria. He disclosed that 72 of the titles were newly authored under the programme, while 10 others were contributed by distinguished scholars. Echono added that the Fund has so far published 202 textbooks, with additional titles currently under evaluation. He further revealed that over 400,000 copies of the books would be distributed nationwide, with digital versions made available to enhance accessibility for students and researchers. During the ceremony, participants observed a minute’s silence in honour of Valerie Young Harry, a late author whose work contributed to the programme. The Chairman of the TETFund Board of Trustees, Aminu Bello Masari, described her contributions as a lasting legacy, emphasizing the importance of translating academic knowledge into practical value and exploring ways to support authors and their families through commercialisation of textbooks.