The Federal Government has announced a major overhaul of Nigeria’s education system, scrapping the Junior and Senior Secondary School model and introducing a compulsory 12-year uninterrupted basic education system. This new structure replaces the existing 6-3-3-4 framework with a 12-4 model, ensuring students receive continuous basic education from primary school through age 16 before pursuing tertiary education.
The announcement was made by the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, during the 2025 extraordinary meeting of the National Council on Education (NCE) held in Abuja. The NCE is the highest policy-making body in Nigeria’s education sector and includes commissioners for education from all 36 states, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), and development partners.
According to Dr. Alausa, the new system aligns with global best practices and aims to reduce dropout rates by eliminating financial and systemic barriers that currently prevent students from completing secondary school.
“Extending basic education to 12 years will ensure a standardized curriculum across the nation,” Alausa stated. “This uninterrupted education model will provide early exposure to vocational and entrepreneurial skills, preparing students for both higher education and the workforce.”
As part of the reform, the government has also proposed a minimum entry age of 16 for all tertiary institutions in Nigeria. This move is expected to ensure that students are adequately prepared before advancing to higher education.
Dr. Alausa emphasized that many developed nations implement similar systems, which improve educational outcomes and global competitiveness. The reform will equip students with essential knowledge and skills, reducing child labor and other social vices associated with early school dropouts.
The Minister highlighted several key strategies for successfully integrating secondary education into the new basic education framework. These include:
- Policy Reforms: Introducing new regulations to support the 12-year model.
- Infrastructure Expansion: Building additional classrooms and upgrading facilities to accommodate increased enrollment.
- Teacher Training and Recruitment: Ensuring teachers are well-prepared to deliver the expanded curriculum.
- Funding and Partnerships: Collaborating with local and international partners to secure resources.
- Curriculum Enhancement: Aligning the curriculum with vocational and entrepreneurial skills to improve employability.
The government’s education reform is expected to have far-reaching economic and social impacts. “When students receive an extended period of compulsory education, they are better equipped to join the workforce with relevant skills. Educated youth contribute significantly to national development,” Dr. Alausa noted.
With this new policy, Nigeria’s education system aims to become more competitive globally while improving access to quality education for all.
