The Federal Government has announced plans to eliminate the Junior Secondary School (JSS) and Senior Secondary School education systems nationwide. This will be replaced by a mandatory 12-year continuous basic education model, followed by the standard four years of tertiary education.
Dr. Tunji Alausa, the Minister of Education, made this announcement on Thursday in Abuja during the extraordinary National Council on Education meeting for 2025.
The new basic education model will replace the current 6-3-3-4 education system with a 12-4 structure. During the meeting, which included all Commissioners of Education from the 36 states, Alausa explained that transforming secondary education into basic education will allow students to benefit from uninterrupted learning until they are 16 years old.
He stated that this new policy aligns with global best practices and aims to reduce dropout rates by addressing financial and systemic obstacles that hinder students from completing secondary education.
“By extending basic education to 12 years, we will ensure a standardized curriculum that is consistently applied across the country. This will also provide early exposure to vocational and entrepreneurial skills, preparing students for higher education and employment opportunities.
“Many developed countries have adopted similar systems where basic education lasts 12 years, ensuring that students gain foundational knowledge before specializing in higher education.
“This reform will also align Nigeria’s education system with international standards, leading to improved educational outcomes and global competitiveness,” he said. Alausa emphasized that this change would have significant economic and social benefits, noting that educated youth play a crucial role in national development.
“When students receive an extended period of compulsory education, they are better prepared to enter the workforce with relevant skills. This reform will also help reduce child labor and other social issues associated with early school dropouts,” he explained.
The Minister outlined implementation strategies for successfully integrating secondary education into basic education, which include policy reforms, infrastructure development, teacher training and recruitment, funding, and partnerships, as well as curriculum improvements.
He also requested the National Council on Education’s approval to officially set 16 years as the minimum age for entry into the country’s tertiary institutions.
