By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
The Junior Secondary School (JSS) and Senior Secondary School (SSS) education model in the country has come to an end.
To replace it, the Federal Government has
introduced a compulsory 12-year uninterrupted basic education model after which a Nigerian child can aspire to higher education.
With this development, the newly-introduced 12-4 education model will replace the 6-3-3-4 education system.
Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, announced the scrapping of 6-3-3-4 and replacement with 12-4 on Thursday in Abuja during the 2025 extraordinary National Council on Education (NCE) meeting.
NCE is the highest policy-making body in Nigeria’s education sector.
The government also sought the approval of NCE to officially adopt 16 years as the minimum entry age requirement into the country’s tertiary institutions.
The event was graced by Education Commissioners in the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), agencies and parastatals under the Ministry, and development partners.
Alausa revealed that by subsuming secondary education into basic education, students will benefit from uninterrupted learning up to the age of 16.
The minister said the new policy “is in line with global best practices.
The reform 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 standardised 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 specialising at tertiary levels.
“This reform also aligns Nigeria’s education system with international standards, fostering better educational outcomes and global competitiveness.
“It will also lead to economic and social impact. Educated youths 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 labour and other social vices resulting from premature school dropouts”.
Alausa 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.