Oyo education reform separates workbook from textbooks in schools as implementation begins 2026

The Oyo State House of Assembly has approved a major education reform aimed at cutting the cost of learning materials for parents and guardians.

The new policy mandates the use of reusable textbooks in all public and private schools across the state, beginning from July, 2026 academic session.

The decision followed the presentation of a detailed report by the House Committee on Education during Tuesday’s plenary, presided over by the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin.

According to the committee’s findings, the current practice where textbooks are rendered obsolete after a single academic session has placed enormous financial strain on families.

The introduction of reusable textbooks, the lawmakers noted, will not only reduce this burden but also promote sustainability and affordability in the state’s education system.

To ensure a smooth transition, the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology has been directed to take immediate steps to implement the policy and enforce compliance among schools beginning from July, 2026.

A one-year grace period has been granted to publishers to phase out old stocks and meet new publishing standards.

The Ministry will also publish the official list of approved textbooks and workbooks for the 2026 academic year through both online and offline channels. Regular monitoring of schools, bookstores, and distribution centers will be conducted to ensure only approved materials are in circulation.

In its report, the Committee commended Governor Seyi Makinde for his consistent investment in education and for prioritizing inclusive policies that ease the financial burden on families.

It also urged the Executive Arm of Government to strengthen enforcement strategies, empower the Quality Assurance Department of the Ministry, and ensure strict adherence by all education stakeholders.

The lawmakers emphasized the need for a robust public awareness campaign to educate teachers, parents, and school administrators on the benefits of reusable textbooks and the long-term value of the reform.

The House further urged the Ministry to enforce compliance through clear regulatory guidelines that will standardize the production, distribution, and use of reusable textbooks in the state.

Speaking after the plenary, the Chairman of the House Committee on Education, Basic and Secondary, Hon. Ogundele Johnson Akintola, explained that the new policy will separate textbooks from workbooks starting from the 2026 session.

“From next year, no school in Oyo State will be allowed to combine textbooks and workbooks. The essence of this separation is to reduce the financial pressure on parents. A child can use a textbook and pass it on to another sibling the following year. That way, families will spend less on new materials,” he said.

He added that the current arrangement that allows textbooks and workbooks to be bundled together will officially end in July 2026, after which all schools are expected to fully comply.

Speaker Ogundoyin, in his brief remarks, praised the committee’s proactive work and reaffirmed the Assembly’s commitment to supporting education reforms that make learning more accessible.

“Reducing the cost of learning materials is crucial to achieving inclusive education in Oyo State. This is not just a policy change, it’s a relief for countless parents who struggle every term to keep their children in school,” he stated.

The Committee also acknowledged the Nigerian Publishers Association for its collaboration with the Ministry of Education and other key stakeholders in ensuring the smooth implementation of the reform.