The Federal Government has clarified that Junior Secondary School (JSS) and Senior Secondary School (SSS) structures are not being scrapped. Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Olatunji Alausa, addressed the press in Abuja to dispel misleading reports, stating that the government is exploring the possibility of integrating secondary education into the basic education framework.
During the Extraordinary National Council on Education (NCE) Meeting in Abuja, Dr. Alausa presented a proposal to transition to a 12-year compulsory education system within the existing 6-3-3-4 framework. This proposition aims to eliminate the examination hurdle between JSS and SSS, facilitating seamless progression for students. The current 6-3-3-4 system includes six years in primary school, three years in junior secondary school (JSS), three years in senior secondary school (SSS), and four years in a tertiary institution.
The Minister emphasized that the proposal is subject to extensive consultation with stakeholders before any implementation. Over the next eight months, the Ministry plans to engage with policymakers, state governments, teachers, and parents to gather input. A final decision is expected at the National Council on Education Meeting in October 20251.
The council also approved a national anti-bullying policy, the use of native languages in primary education, and minimum age requirements for tertiary institution admissions. The goal is to align with global standards, as seen in countries like the US, the UK, and Ghana, where 12 years of compulsory education have led to improved educational outcomes.
Dr. Alausa stated the government's commitment to ensuring the new policy does not disrupt the education sector and will involve thorough stakeholder consultations before a final decision. He also expressed the need to move from nine years of compulsory education to twelve years to avoid "training illiterates" and to better prepare students for the future.
The Ministry aims to improve funding, especially for early childhood education, and to strengthen the quality of public schools. Dr. Alausa intends to request an increase in funding for basic education from 2% to 5% of conservative revenue. A new education curriculum, set to begin in January 2025, will prioritize skills in basic education and introduce new courses to enhance the trade and skills of young children.