The Ministry of Education has announced its intention to scrap decades- long Junior Secondary School (JSS) and Senior Secondary Schools in Nigeria.
In their places, the federal government has said it will introduce a compulsory 12-year uninterrupted basic education model, after which a Nigerian child can aspire to study in higher institutions for four years.
Blueprint reports that, for decades now, the federal government has maintained a 6-3-3-4 education system, which sees to pupils spending six years in the primary school, three years in JSS, three years in SSS and a minimum of four years in tertiary institutions.
However, the system is now about being replaced with the 12-4 model being advocated by the Ministry of Education, which is equally seeking the approval of the National Council on Education (NCE) to officially adopt 16 years as the minimum entry age requirement into the country’s tertiary institutions.
Speaking Thursday in Abuja, during the 2025 extraordinary National Council on Education meeting, the Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, said by subsuming secondary education into basic education, students will benefit from uninterrupted learning up to the age of 16.
He said the new policy is in line with global best practices, adding that the reform, will also reduce dropout rates by eliminating financial and systemic barriers that currently prevent students from completing secondary education.
The Minister revealed the implementation strategies to successfully integrate secondary education into basic education to include: policy reforms, infrastructure expansion, teacher training and recruitment, funding and partnerships, curriculum enhancement.
“Extending basic education to 12 years will ensure a standardized curriculum that is uniformly implemented across the nation. This will also facilitate early exposure to vocational and entrepreneurial skills, preparing students for both higher education and employment.
“Many developed nations have implemented similar systems where basic education spans 12 years, ensuring that students acquire foundational knowledge before specializing at tertiary levels.
“This reform also aligns Nigeria’s education system with international standards, fostering better educational outcomes and global competitiveness. It will also lead to economic and social impact. Educated youth contribute significantly to national development.
“When students receive an extended period of compulsory education, they are better equipped to join the workforce with relevant skills. This reform will also reduce child labor and other social vices resulting from premature school dropouts,” he said.
Blueprint reports that the NCE meeting was attended by commissioners for education in the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), agencies and parastatals under the Ministry of Education and development partners.
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