The Federal Government has announced a major reform in the education sector, scrapping the current Junior and Senior Secondary School system and replacing it with a compulsory 12-year uninterrupted basic education model.
This initiative aims to ensure that every Nigerian child receives continuous education before advancing to tertiary institutions.
With this move, the government seeks to replace the existing 6-3-3-4 system with a new 12-4 structure.
Additionally, the Ministry of Education has proposed 16 years as the minimum age for admission into the nation’s tertiary institutions.
Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, made the disclosure on Thursday during the 2025 Extraordinary National Council on Education (NCE) meeting in Abuja.
The NCE, recognized as the highest policy-making body in the education sector, had in attendance commissioners of education from all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, as well as key stakeholders and development partners.
Alausa explained that integrating secondary education into basic education would ensure uninterrupted learning, reduce dropout rates, and eliminate financial and systemic barriers hindering students from completing their studies.
He noted that the reform aligns with global best practices and would facilitate early exposure to vocational and entrepreneurial skills.
“Extending basic education to 12 years will standardize the curriculum nationwide and equip students with the necessary skills for higher education and employment,” he stated.
The Minister highlighted that many developed nations have similar education models, ensuring students receive foundational knowledge before advancing to specialized fields at the tertiary level.
He further emphasized that the reform would enhance Nigeria’s educational system, making it more competitive globally.
Beyond academics, the new structure is expected to yield significant socio-economic benefits. “Educated youth contribute meaningfully to national development.
With extended compulsory education, young people will be better prepared for the workforce and less vulnerable to child labor and social vices,” Alausa added.
To ensure the smooth implementation of this policy, the government has outlined strategic measures, including policy reforms, infrastructure expansion, teacher training and recruitment, enhanced funding, and curriculum improvements.