The Federal Government of Nigeria has proposed a significant reform in the nation’s education system by advocating for the integration of Junior Secondary School (JSS) and Senior Secondary School (SSS) into a unified 12-year basic education model. This proposal aims to replace the existing 6-3-3-4 structure with a 12-4 system, providing uninterrupted learning up to the age of 16.
Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, presented this initiative during the 2025 extraordinary National Council on Education meeting in Abuja. He emphasized that the reform aligns with global best practices and seeks to reduce dropout rates by eliminating financial and systemic barriers that currently hinder students from completing their secondary education.
Dr. Alausa highlighted that extending basic education to 12 years would ensure a standardized curriculum nationwide and facilitate early exposure to vocational and entrepreneurial skills, thereby preparing students for both higher education and employment. He noted that many developed nations have implemented similar systems, ensuring that students acquire foundational knowledge before specializing at tertiary levels.
The proposal also includes setting 16 years as the minimum entry age for tertiary institutions in Nigeria. However, it’s important to note that this is currently a proposal subject to review and approval by the National Council on Education. The Ministry of Education has clarified that the existing JSS and SSS structures have not been scrapped at this time.
The government plans to engage in extensive consultations with relevant stakeholders, including state governments, parents, teachers, and education policymakers, over the next eight months. A final decision on adopting the reform is expected to be made at the National Council on Education meeting scheduled for October 2025.
