By Dansu Peter In a major policy shift, the Federal Government has scrapped the Junior Secondary School (JSS) and Senior Secondary School ...
By Dansu Peter
The move signals the end of the long-standing 6-3-3-4 system, paving the way for a new 12-4 structure. Additionally, the government is seeking approval from the National Council on Education (NCE) to set 16 years as the minimum age for admission into tertiary institutions.
Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, disclosed this during the 2025 extraordinary meeting of the NCE in Abuja. The NCE, recognized as the highest decision-making body in the education sector, convened with education commissioners from the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), alongside stakeholders from agencies and development partners.
Dr. Alausa emphasized that integrating secondary education into basic education would provide students with a seamless learning experience, reducing dropout rates and eliminating financial barriers that hinder educational progression. He highlighted that the reform aligns with global best practices, ensuring a standardized curriculum and early exposure to vocational and entrepreneurial skills.
“Extending basic education to 12 years will not only standardize learning across the country but also prepare students for higher education and employment,” Alausa stated. “This model, adopted in many developed nations, enhances foundational knowledge before specialization at the tertiary level.”
Beyond academics, the minister noted that the reform would have significant socio-economic benefits, curbing child labor and social vices by keeping students in school for a longer period. He outlined key implementation strategies, including policy reforms, infrastructure development, teacher training, enhanced funding, and curriculum upgrades.
The policy shift marks a significant step toward aligning Nigeria’s education system with international standards while fostering economic development through a better-educated workforce.
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