FG has moved to scrap JSS and SSS to introduces 12-year Basic Education System.
NewsOnline Nigeria reports that the Federal Government has announced the scrapping of the Junior and Senior Secondary School structure, replacing it with a mandatory 12-year uninterrupted basic education system.
Under this new framework, students will complete their education up to age 16 before pursuing higher education.
With this reform, the government is set to phase out the existing 6-3-3-4 system and introduce a 12-4 model. Additionally, it has proposed setting 16 years as the minimum age for admission into tertiary institutions, pending approval from the National Council on Education, NCE.
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Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, disclosed these changes on Thursday, February 6, during the 2025 Extraordinary NCE meeting in Abuja. The NCE, the highest policymaking body in the education sector, convened with education commissioners from all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, alongside ministry agencies, parastatals, and development partners.
Dr. Alausa explained that integrating secondary education into basic education would provide students with a seamless learning experience until the age of 16. He emphasized that the new policy aligns with global best practices and is designed to reduce dropout rates by removing financial and systemic obstacles that currently hinder students from completing their secondary education.
“Extending basic education to 12 years will ensure a standardised 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 specialising at tertiary levels. This reform also aligns Nigeria’s education system with international standards, fostering better educational outcomes and global competitiveness,” he said.
Alausa stated that the reform would have significant economic and social benefits, emphasizing: “Educated youths 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 labour and other social vices resulting from premature school dropouts.”
He outlined key strategies for effectively merging secondary education into basic education, including policy reforms, infrastructure development, teacher recruitment and training, enhanced funding through partnerships, and curriculum improvements.
“Incorporating technical, vocational, and digital literacy education to equip students with 21st-century skills from their early stage of education,” he said.
“The future of Nigeria’s education system depends on bold and strategic decisions. There is a need for radical change in our educational system if it will remain a veritable tool for socio-economic growth and development.
“Primary and secondary school management is the exclusive preserve of the sub-national governments, while the Federal Government provides technical and funding support. Everyone’s attention needs to be drawn to the fact that we do have a problem in the sector and we need to understand the nature of the problem and consider our capacity and ability to effect the necessary changes based on the magnitude of what needs to be done and then devise a structure that will ensure sustainability of improving our educational system.
“Subsuming secondary education into basic education to span 12 years is a necessary step towards creating a more inclusive, equitable, and globally competitive system. It is time for us to embrace this reform to secure the future of our children and ultimately, the prosperity of our nation.”
