By Editor
THE Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA) has strongly rejected the reported introduction of a ₦2,000-per-page book assessment fee and the accompanying ranking framework allegedly established by the Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council NERDC) on the orders of the Federal Ministry of Education for the evaluation of books in Nigeria. The association described the development as a grave threat to intellectual freedom, literary creativity, educational advancement, and the future of knowledge production in the country.
ANA stated that the policy, if implemented, would impose an unprecedented financial burden on authors, researchers, academics, publishers, and educational content creators at a time of significant economic challenges.
As Nigeria’s foremost literary organization and umbrella body for creative writers, ANA expressed deep concern over reports suggesting that authors and publishers might be required to pay substantial sums for the assessment of books intended for educational and public use. The association maintained that such a policy would undermine efforts to promote literacy, scholarship, and the free exchange of ideas. Founded in 1981 by literary giants led by Chinua Achebe, ANA noted that it has consistently championed literary excellence, freedom of expression, and the growth of Nigeria’s creative and intellectual industries for more than four decades.
According to ANA, the proposed fee structure represents a dangerous departure from the principles of inclusion, accessibility, and intellectual freedom that are essential to national development.
The association pointed out that a modest 300-page book would attract an assessment fee of ₦600,000, a cost it described as excessive, prohibitive, and unjustifiable. Such a financial barrier, ANA argued, would make it increasingly difficult for emerging authors, independent scholars, small publishing houses, and educational content developers to contribute meaningfully to national discourse and knowledge creation.
The association further described the policy as a form of economic censorship capable of suppressing diverse voices and restricting participation in literary and intellectual activities.
ANA emphasized that freedom of expression can be undermined not only through direct prohibitions but also through financial mechanisms that discourage publication and limit access to platforms for creative and scholarly engagement. It warned that the policy could reverse gains made in expanding opportunities for young writers, indigenous language authors, women writers, researchers, and independent publishers.
ANA President, Dr. Usman Akanbi
ANA also raised concerns about the implications of the policy for intellectual property rights and the integrity of the assessment process. The association stressed that authors are the rightful owners of their creative works and deserve assurances regarding the legal authority for assessments, the qualifications of assessors, the criteria for evaluation, and the safeguards available to protect submitted manuscripts. It maintained that creativity can only flourish in an environment characterized by transparency, trust, accountability, and respect for authors’ rights.
The association expressed concern over the wider implications of the policy for education and national development. ANA observed that books are not merely commercial products but vital instruments of learning, repositories of culture, vehicles of historical memory, and catalysts for social progress. At a time when Nigeria seeks to improve literacy rates, strengthen educational outcomes, and expand opportunities for innovation, the association argued that policies which increase the cost of producing educational and literary materials are counterproductive and detrimental to national aspirations.
Consequently, ANA called for the immediate suspension and comprehensive review of the reported assessment fee and ranking framework. The association demanded full public disclosure of the legal basis, implementation process, and financial structure of the policy, while urging the Federal Government to ensure that no administrative measure undermines the constitutional rights of Nigerians to freedom of thought, freedom of expression, and access to knowledge.
ANA reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to defending literary freedom, promoting creative excellence, and ensuring that no policy or bureaucracy prices ideas out of existence, insisting that intellectual freedom remains non-negotiable.
