The Federal Government has scrapped the Junior and Senior Secondary School system, replacing it with a compulsory 12-year uninterrupted basic education. This reform aims to ensure continuous learning up to age 16 before students can pursue higher education.
The move seeks to replace the current 6-3-3-4 structure with a 12-4 system. Additionally, the government has proposed setting 16 years as the minimum age for entry into tertiary institutions, pending approval from the National Council on Education (NCE).
Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, announced the changes at the 2025 extraordinary NCE meeting in Abuja, attended by education commissioners from all 36 states, FCT representatives, and key stakeholders.
Alausa emphasised that integrating secondary education into basic education aligns with global best practices and will help reduce dropout rates by eliminating financial and systemic barriers.
“Extending basic education to 12 years will standardise the curriculum and expose students to vocational and entrepreneurial training early, better preparing them for higher education and employment,” he said.
The reform is expected to enhance workforce readiness, reduce child labour, and curb social vices linked to school dropouts. Implementation strategies include policy reforms, infrastructure expansion, teacher training, curriculum enhancement, and increased funding.
Alausa urged stakeholders to embrace the reform, stating, “Nigeria’s education system needs bold changes to ensure long-term socio-economic growth and global competitiveness.”
Credit: Guardian NG (Text Excluding Headline)
