• Introduces 12 Year Basic Education Programme

• Safiu Kehinde

The Federal Government has announced plan to scrap Junior Secondary School (JSS) and Senior Secondary School system of education across the country.

This will be replaced with a compulsory 12-year uninterrupted basic education model before the regular four years tertiary education.

Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, disclosed this on Thursday in Abuja during the 2025 extraordinary National Council on Education meeting.

The introduction of the new basic education model will see the Federal Government phase out the 6-3-3-4 education system and replacing it with 12-4.

Speaking at the meeting which had in attendance all Commissioners of Education across the 36 state’s, Alausas explained that by converting secondary education into basic education, students will benefit from uninterrupted learning up to the age of 16.

He said the new policy is in line with global best practices, stressing that it will also reduce dropout rates by eliminating financial and systemic barriers that currently prevent students from completing secondary education.

“Extending basic education to 12 years will ensure a standardized 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 specializing at tertiary levels.

“This reform also aligns Nigeria’s education system with international standards, fostering better educational outcomes and global competitiveness.”
He said it will also lead to economic and social impact, adding that “Educated youth 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 labor and other social vices resulting from premature school dropouts.” Alausa explained.

According to report, the Minister highlighted the implementation strategies to successfully integrate secondary education into basic education to include: policy reforms, infrastructure expansion, teacher training and recruitment, funding and partnerships, curriculum enhancement.

He also sought the approval of the National Council on Education to officially adopt 16 years as the minimum entry age requirement into the country’s tertiary institutions.