The Federal Ministry of Education has dismissed reports suggesting the immediate scrapping of Junior and Senior Secondary School (JSS and SSS) systems in Nigeria. It clarified that no such policy has been implemented, describing the media reports as misleading.
In a statement issued on Friday by the Director of Press at the Ministry, Folasade Boriowo, the ministry explained that the Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Olatunji Alausa, only presented a proposal for the introduction of a 12-year basic education system at the recent Extraordinary National Council on Education meeting held on February 6 in Abuja.
“The Honourable Minister’s presentation was a proposal for discussion, not an immediate policy change. The goal is to transition to a 12-year compulsory education system while maintaining the current 6-3-3 structure,” Boriowo said.
A key element of the proposed reform is the removal of external examinations between JSS and SSS, allowing students to progress seamlessly without examination barriers at that stage. However, the ministry stressed that this proposal remains under review and has not yet been adopted.
“To ensure a well-informed decision, extensive stakeholder consultations will be conducted over the next eight months,” the statement added. “Policymakers, state governments, teachers, parents, and other key stakeholders will be engaged, and the final decision will be made at the National Council on Education meeting in October 2025.”
The ministry urged the public to disregard false reports and assured Nigerians of its commitment to improving access to quality education through globally aligned policies.
The clarification comes after widespread speculation that a new policy aimed at eliminating the Junior and Senior Secondary School structure was already in effect. The ministry reiterated that any major reforms would follow due process and comprehensive consultation with relevant stakeholders.
