The Federal Government of Nigeria has announced a major reform in the education sector by scrapping the existing Junior Secondary School (JSS) and Senior Secondary School (SSS) system.
In its place, the government has introduced a compulsory 12-year uninterrupted basic education model. This means that Nigerian students will now undergo a continuous education system up to the age of 16 before considering higher education options.
The Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, made this announcement on Thursday in Abuja during an extraordinary meeting of the National Council on Education (NCE).
The NCE, which serves as the highest decision-making body for education policies in the country, includes commissioners for education from all 36 states, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), education agencies, and international development partners.
With this reform, the government is moving away from the long-standing 6-3-3-4 education structure and replacing it with a 12-4 model. Additionally, the proposal includes setting 16 years as the minimum age for entry into tertiary institutions.
Dr. Alausa noted that this new policy aims to provide a stable and consistent learning environment for students by integrating secondary education into the basic education framework. He pointed out that many developed nations follow similar models, ensuring that students receive a solid foundation before specializing in higher education.
“Extending basic education to 12 years will ensure a standardized curriculum that is uniformly implemented across the nation,” Alausa said.
He also noted that the reform would expose students to vocational and entrepreneurial training at an early stage, helping them develop essential skills for both further education and employment.
