FG Proposes Scrapping Junior and Senior Secondary Schools for 12-Year Basic Education in Nigeria

FG Proposes Scrapping Junior and Senior Secondary Schools for 12-Year Basic Education in Nigeria

The Federal Government of Nigeria is considering a significant change to the country’s education system. In a proposal introduced by the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, during the 2025 extraordinary meeting of the National Council on Education (NCE) held in Abuja on February 6, the government suggests scrapping the existing Junior Secondary School (JSS) and Senior Secondary School (SSS) structures in favor of a 12-year uninterrupted basic education system.

Nigeria Education System Reform: A New 12-4 Model

If this proposal is approved, the current 6-3-3-4 education system in Nigeria will be replaced with a new 12-4 model. This new model will provide compulsory education for children up to the age of 16, eliminating the need for separate Junior and Senior Secondary School levels. With 12 years of uninterrupted basic education, students would have a stronger foundation for their future, whether they pursue higher education or enter the workforce.

The Case for 12-Year Basic Education

The government’s proposal aims to enhance the quality and accessibility of education across Nigeria. Dr. Alausa emphasized that the restructuring would be in line with global best practices. The new approach seeks to standardize the curriculum across the nation, ensuring that all students receive the same level of education regardless of location.

This shift would also provide early exposure to vocational and entrepreneurial skills, better preparing students for the future. These skills would be valuable not only for those pursuing further education but also for those entering the workforce directly after their 12-year basic education.

By integrating secondary education into the basic education system, the government aims to reduce the number of students dropping out due to financial constraints or systemic barriers. Currently, many students face challenges in completing their secondary education, which affects their opportunities for higher education and employment.

Benefits of the New Education Model

1. Reduced Dropout Rates: By eliminating the distinction between basic and secondary education, the new system aims to keep students enrolled for a longer period, reducing the dropout rates.
2. Enhanced Curriculum: The 12-year uninterrupted education model will offer a more robust and standardized curriculum, which can be uniformly implemented across the country. This will help students gain a better understanding of essential subjects from an early stage.
3. Exposure to Vocational Training: Students will have greater opportunities for early exposure to vocational education and skills training, better equipping them for careers in various industries.
4. Global Standardization: Aligning the country’s education system with international standards, the new system ensures that students’ qualifications are recognized globally, offering them greater opportunities abroad.

16 Years as Minimum Entry Age for Tertiary Education

As part of the proposed education reform, Dr. Alausa also recommended that the minimum age for entry into Nigerian tertiary institutions be set at 16 years. This change is aimed at ensuring that students have completed a full 12 years of basic education before pursuing higher education, allowing for a more mature and prepared student body.

The Future of Nigeria’s Education System

The proposal to overhaul Nigeria’s education system is a bold step towards addressing the challenges of educational access and quality in the country. By ensuring that all students receive a 12-year uninterrupted education, the government hopes to create a more equitable education system that better prepares young Nigerians for success in an increasingly competitive global environment.

Conclusion: A Step Toward Educational Equality

The proposed changes to Nigeria’s education system are a positive step toward educational equality. By focusing on providing 12 years of uninterrupted basic education, the government aims to equip all students with the skills they need to thrive in the future. If the proposal is approved, it could mark the beginning of a new era in Nigerian education, offering equal opportunities for all children, regardless of their background.

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Internal Links:

• Read more about the future of Nigeria’s education system
• Explore vocational education opportunities in Nigeria

External Links:

• National Council on Education
• Global Education Standards and Best Practices