Government Introduces Tracking QR Code OpenLife News reports that the Federal Ministry of Education has released the final list of ranked and approved textbooks for use in Nigerian schools for the 2026–2028 academic calendar, introducing a QR tracking system to ensure transparency and accountability. The Ministry disclosed this in a statement issued on Monday by its Director of Press and Public Relations, Boriowo Folasade, following the completion of the first phase of the national textbook ranking exercise. According to the statement, the approved list covers textbooks for Primary 1, Primary 4, Junior Secondary School 1 (JSS1) and Senior Secondary School 1 (SS1). The exercise was conducted under the leadership of the Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, and the Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suwaiba Sa’id Ahmad, with the final list approved by Alausa. A major highlight of the new list is the introduction of a unique identification system for each approved book.“Each approved title carries a unique Ranking/QR Tracking Code, alongside key details including the title, author(s), publisher and year of publication, to facilitate identification, monitoring and accountability,” the statement read. The Ministry explained that the introduction of the tracking measure was aimed at sanitizing the textbook procurement process.“The introduction of the Ranking/QR Tracking Code represents an important step towards strengthening the monitoring and control of approved instructional materials and ensuring greater transparency in their selection, procurement and utilisation,” it said. It noted that the additional process of generating and assigning the unique codes contributed to the delay in concluding and validating the final lists. The Ministry added that the textbook ranking exercise will be implemented in phases.“The ranking exercise is being implemented in phases. Following the completion and approval of the first phase, preparations will commence for the second round, covering textbooks for Primary 2, Primary 5, JSS 2 and SS 2,” the statement said, adding that the same identification and tracking measures will apply to the subsequent phase. The Federal Ministry of Education urged all relevant stakeholders to comply strictly with the approved list.“The Federal Ministry of Education urges publishers, schools, education authorities, procurement agencies and other relevant stakeholders to consult the official approved list when selecting and procuring textbooks for the affected classes,” it stated. The Ministry said the initiative is part of the Federal Government’s commitment to quality assurance in education.“The exercise forms part of the Federal Government’s commitment to ensuring that learners and teachers have access to quality, relevant and curriculum-aligned instructional materials, while strengthening transparency and accountability in textbook provision across Nigerian schools,” the statement added. The complete 2026–2028 ranked and approved textbooks, including the Ranking/QR Tracking Code for each title, has been made available by the Ministry through its designated portal for public verification.

NPO Commends President Tinubu’s Directive to FCCPC to Investigate Big Tech and AI Platforms Over Content Exploitation

Openlife Reporter July 8, 2026

NPO Commends President Tinubu’s Directive to FCCPC to Investigate Big Tech and AI Platforms Over Content Exploitation

OpenLife Nigeria reports that the Nigerian Press Organisation (NPO) welcomes and commends the directive by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, requesting that the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) launch a formal investigation into major global technology companies and generative artificial  intelligence (AI) platforms operating in Nigeria.
We note that this decisive action follows a joint petition submitted to the Federal Government by the NPO, comprising the Newspaper Proprietors’ Association of Nigeria (NPAN), the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE), the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), the Broadcasting Organisations of Nigeria (BON), and the Guild of Corporate Online Publishers (GOCOP).
When a delegation of the NPO met President Tinubu in March to formally complain about the existential threat posed to the media by Big Tech and AI companies operating in Nigeria, we did so with very serious concern.
We are therefore pleased that the government has commenced this investigation. Beyond the clear and present danger posed by Big Tech’s anti-competitive behaviour,  their lack of transparency and accountability also carries very serious consequences for journalism as a public-interest good.
For years, the sustainability of Nigeria’s vibrant media ecosystem has been severely threatened by the unfair market practices of dominant digital platforms, including Meta, Alphabet, X (formerly Twitter), and various generative AI companies. These tech giants have consistently undermined fair competition and the commercial viability of local media by exploiting original journalistic content without equitable compensation.
This, for us, is a first major step in the journey to finally hold tech giants accountable, especially in light of the progress recorded in other parts of the world, including South Africa.
The NPO welcomes the assurance of the FCCPC Chief Executive Officer, Mr Tunji Bello, following the request of the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mr Idris Mohammed, to conduct an independent, transparent, and evidence-based inquiry.
The NPO, alongside its constituent bodies, stands ready to cooperate fully with the FCCPC during this inquiry, providing all necessary evidence to ensure a balanced digital economy that respects Nigerian sovereignty and the rights of Nigerian publishers.
Mr. Frank Aigbogun
Deputy President (NPAN/NPO)

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