FG Abolishes JSS, SSS, Introduces 12-Year Basic Education System

[justseyi]

The Federal Government has officially scrapped the Junior Secondary School (JSS) and Senior Secondary School (SSS) levels, replacing them with a continuous 12-year basic education model. Under this new system, every Nigerian child will receive uninterrupted education up to the age of 16 before progressing to higher education.

With this reform, the traditional 6-3-3-4 education structure will be phased out and substituted with a 12-4 model. This shift is aimed at ensuring a seamless learning experience for students while addressing systemic challenges that have plagued the previous framework.

In addition to the structural changes, the government has proposed setting 16 years as the official minimum entry age for tertiary institutions in the country. This decision awaits approval from the National Council on Education (NCE), the highest policy-making body in the education sector.

A Shift Towards Global Best Practices

Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, made this announcement on Thursday in Abuja during the 2025 extraordinary National Council on Education meeting. The gathering was attended by commissioners of education from all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), as well as representatives from agencies, parastatals under the Ministry, and development partners.

According to Dr. Alausa, incorporating secondary education into basic education will significantly benefit students by providing a stable and uninterrupted learning environment until the age of 16. He emphasized that the reform aligns with global educational standards, ensuring Nigerian students receive a more competitive and structured education.

Reducing Dropout Rates and Expanding Access

Alausa highlighted that extending basic education to 12 years would help curb dropout rates by removing financial and systemic barriers that currently prevent students from completing secondary school.

“By ensuring 12 years of uninterrupted education, we create a standardized curriculum that is uniformly implemented across the country,” he stated. “This will also provide students with early exposure to vocational and entrepreneurial skills, better preparing them for either higher education or direct entry into the workforce.”

He further explained that many developed nations operate similar education models where basic education spans 12 years, allowing students to build a solid knowledge base before pursuing specialized training at tertiary institutions. “This reform places Nigeria on par with international education standards, ultimately fostering improved academic outcomes and enhancing the global competitiveness of our students.”

Economic and Social Impact of the Reform

Beyond academic benefits, the Minister underscored the broader economic and social advantages of the new policy.

“Educated youth are key drivers of national development. When students receive an extended period of compulsory education, they are better equipped with relevant skills to contribute meaningfully to the workforce,” he noted.

The reform is also expected to reduce the prevalence of child labor and other social vices that stem from premature school dropouts. “A more educated youth population leads to a stronger economy and a more stable society,” he added.

Implementation Strategies

To successfully integrate secondary education into basic education, the Ministry has outlined key implementation strategies, including:

• Policy Reforms: Establishing clear guidelines and regulatory frameworks to support the transition.
• Infrastructure Expansion: Investing in school facilities to accommodate extended basic education.
• Teacher Training and Recruitment: Upskilling educators to effectively deliver the revised curriculum.
• Funding and Partnerships: Mobilizing financial resources from both public and private sectors to sustain the reform.
• Curriculum Enhancement: Modernizing teaching methods to include vocational and entrepreneurial training for students.

As Nigeria embarks on this transformative journey in education, stakeholders remain hopeful that the 12-year basic education model will equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to thrive in an evolving world. The final approval of the 16-year tertiary admission age requirement will further solidify the government’s commitment to a more structured and globally competitive education system.

[Precious]

You can just tell where their priorities are! The issue isn’t the arrangement but execution

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