National Telescope national telescope newspaper
The Federal Government has proposed a major overhaul of Nigeria’s education system, seeking to replace the current 6-3-3-4 structure with a new 12-4 model.
This means scrapping Junior and Senior Secondary Schools (JSS and SSS) and introducing a 12-year uninterrupted basic education system before students can proceed to higher education.
Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, announced the proposal on Thursday in Abuja during the 2025 extraordinary National Council on Education (NCE) meeting, attended by state education commissioners, ministry officials, and development partners.
Explaining the rationale behind the reform, Alausa said, “By extending basic education to 12 years, we are ensuring uninterrupted learning for students up to the age of 16. This will remove financial and systemic barriers that often lead to high dropout rates.”
The government is also pushing for 16 years to become the minimum age for university admission, aligning with international education standards.
“This policy shift is in line with global best practices,” the minister said.
“Many developed nations operate a 12-year basic education system before specialization at tertiary levels. This will improve the quality of education and better prepare students for both higher education and employment.”
Beyond academic benefits, Alausa emphasized the social and economic impact.
“Educated youth contribute significantly to national development. A longer period of compulsory education reduces child labor, minimizes social vices, and ensures that young people enter the workforce with relevant skills,” he stated.
To implement this reform, the government plans to introduce policy changes, expand school infrastructure, train and recruit more teachers, enhance the curriculum, and secure funding through partnerships.
If approved, this policy could transform Nigeria’s education system by providing a more structured and globally competitive learning framework for students.
