Abuja, Nigeria – The Federal Government has announced a major restructuring of Nigeria’s education system, scrapping Junior and Senior Secondary Schools (JSS & SSS) and introducing a 12-year uninterrupted basic education model.
This move replaces the 6-3-3-4 system with a 12-4 structure, ensuring students receive continuous learning up to age 16 before progressing to tertiary institutions.
The Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, disclosed the reform on Thursday in Abuja at the 2025 extraordinary National Council on Education (NCE) meeting, attended by education commissioners from all 36 states, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), agencies, and development partners.
Dr. Alausa emphasized that merging secondary education into the basic education framework would enhance learning stability, curb dropout rates, and eliminate existing financial and systemic barriers to education.
“The 12-year basic education system ensures a unified and structured curriculum across Nigeria, while also introducing early exposure to vocational and entrepreneurial skills, better preparing students for both higher education and the workforce,” he stated.
Additionally, the government is seeking approval to set 16 years as the official minimum entry age for Nigerian universities and other tertiary institutions, a move aimed at standardizing educational progression.
Dr. Alausa highlighted that the 12-year basic education model aligns Nigeria’s education system with international best practices, similar to models in many developed nations where students receive comprehensive foundational education before advancing to specialized studies.
“This reform will equip young Nigerians with the knowledge and skills needed for the modern economy. It will also help tackle social issues such as child labour and juvenile delinquency, which often stem from premature school dropouts,” he added.
The Federal Government has outlined critical steps to ensure a smooth transition, including: Policy Revisions – Adjusting the national education policy to reflect the new system; Infrastructure Development – Expanding school facilities to accommodate extended basic education.
Teacher Training and Recruitment – Strengthening teacher capacity for improved learning outcomes; Curriculum Enhancement – Integrating vocational and entrepreneurial training for skill development; and Sustainable Funding & Partnerships – Engaging stakeholders to support implementation.
As Nigeria prepares to implement this landmark education reform, the National Council on Education (NCE) will play a crucial role in finalizing policies to ensure a seamless transition from the current system.
With these changes, the government aims to improve educational standards, enhance student preparedness, and align Nigeria’s learning structure with global trends—a step that could redefine the nation’s future workforce and development trajectory.
Source: Guardian
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