The Federal Government has debunked reports asserting that it has scrapped the existing Junior Secondary School (JSS) and Senior Secondary School (SSS) education structure. In a recent interview with THISDAY, the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, clarified that discussions regarding a potential transformation to a 12-year uninterrupted basic education model are still in progress, but no conclusive decisions have been reached.
Addressing Misinformation
The clarification comes in response to media speculation that the government had abruptly shifted from the well-known 6-3-3-4 system to a new 12-4 model. Reports had suggested that this announcement was made by the minister during the 2025 extraordinary National Council on Education (NCE) meeting in Abuja. However, Dr. Alausa refuted these claims, emphasizing that the country is merely in the deliberation stage.
The Proposed Education Model
While acknowledging that many developed countries have adopted similar continuous education systems, Dr. Alausa explained that Nigeria is considering an extension of its compulsory basic education from nine to twelve years. This proposed shift aims to bolster foundational knowledge among students, which he believes has weakened under the current system.
“We haven’t even got to the implementation phase. The National Council of Education, the highest decision-making body on education policies, must first approve any change,” Alausa stated, highlighting the procedural steps still to be taken.
Benefits of the New System
The minister elaborated on the potential advantages of adopting a 12-year model. He pointed out that such a system would align Nigeria with global educational standards, offering students better preparation for tertiary education. “A continuous curriculum promotes better standardization, quality assurance, and improved educational outcomes,” he argued.
Concerns and Considerations
One of the critical issues discussed by Dr. Alausa is the current delay faced by exceptionally talented students. Under the existing system, students finishing secondary education at 16 must wait until they are 18 to enter university, which can hinder their academic and personal development. Alausa expressed concerns that this delay could lead to mental health issues among the youth.
Timeline for Implementation
Despite the ongoing discussions and the potential benefits outlined, Dr. Alausa assured that no changes to the education system would be implemented before the last quarter of 2025. This gives stakeholders time to fully assess and approve the proposed reforms through the appropriate channels.
In conclusion, while the Nigerian educational landscape might see changes, the current system remains intact as the government continues to explore options that could enhance educational outcomes and align with international standards.
