The Federal Government has proposed a major overhaul of Nigeria’s education system, scrapping the current Junior Secondary School (JSS) and Senior Secondary School (SSS) structure.
In its place, a new 12-year uninterrupted basic education model will be introduced, ensuring all Nigerian children receive compulsory schooling up to age 16 before progressing to higher education.
This reform seeks to replace the existing 6-3-3-4 system with a 12-4 model. Additionally, the government has proposed setting 16 years as the minimum entry age for tertiary institutions, pending approval from the National Council on Education (NCE).
Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, announced the policy shift on Thursday during the 2025 extraordinary NCE meeting in Abuja. The event, attended by Commissioners for Education from all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), as well as education agencies and development partners, marks a significant step toward restructuring the country’s education system.
Dr. Alausa explained that integrating secondary education into basic education would provide students with uninterrupted learning until age 16. He emphasized that the new model aligns with global best practices and aims to reduce dropout rates by removing financial and systemic barriers.
“Extending basic education to 12 years will ensure a standardized curriculum nationwide,” Alausa said. “It will also introduce early vocational and entrepreneurial training, equipping students with essential skills for both higher education and employment.”
He noted that many developed countries have adopted similar models, ensuring students acquire a strong educational foundation before specializing at the tertiary level.
Aligning Nigeria’s system with international standards, he added, would improve educational outcomes and global competitiveness.
Beyond academics, the Minister highlighted the broader social and economic impact of the reform, stating that a well-educated youth population contributes significantly to national development.
“By extending compulsory education, we can better prepare students for the workforce, reduce child labor, and curb social vices linked to school dropouts,” he added.
To implement the new model effectively, the government plans to introduce policy reforms, expand infrastructure, enhance teacher training and recruitment, secure funding through partnerships, and upgrade the curriculum.
The proposal is awaiting approval from the National Council on Education before full adoption and implementation.