The Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, on Wednesday unveiled 82 academic textbooks authored by Nigerian scholars to strengthen teaching and learning in tertiary institutions.
Speaking at the public presentation in Abuja, Alausa explained that the books were developed under the Higher Education Book Development Intervention Project of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund). He added that the Fund also secured an additional 10 textbooks for distribution nationwide.
According to the minister, the initiative underscores the Federal Government’s commitment to quality education and academic excellence. He noted that the intervention aims to reduce Nigeria’s dependence on foreign publications, which has long pressured foreign exchange and discouraged indigenous authorship.
“Encouraging Nigerian scholars to produce quality academic textbooks will ensure the availability of relevant learning materials across diverse disciplines, particularly in science, technology, and engineering,” Alausa said.
He highlighted that the TETFund Book Development Intervention also supports professional association journals and the establishment of academic publishing centres. Since 2009, a Technical Advisory Group has guided the framework for implementing the programme.
The minister commended authors, publishers, and stakeholders for their contributions, while acknowledging President Bola Tinubu’s support for reforms aimed at stabilising academic calendars and improving the education sector.
TETFund’s Executive Secretary, Arc Sonny Echono, revealed that 72 of the titles were newly authored under the project, while 10 others were secured from reputable scholars. He disclosed that the Fund has published 202 textbooks so far, with several more under evaluation.
Over 400,000 copies will be distributed to institutions nationwide, alongside digital versions to enhance accessibility. Echono also led participants in observing a minute’s silence for Valerie Young Harry, one of the authors who passed away shortly before the event.
Meanwhile, Chairman of TETFund’s Board of Trustees, Aminu Bello Masari, described Harry’s work as a lasting legacy. He stressed the importance of applying knowledge practically and called for strategies to commercialise the books so authors and their families can benefit from their intellectual contributions.
By Ngozi Nwankwo, Abuja
