The Federal Ministry of Education has officially dismissed reports claiming that the Junior and Senior Secondary School (JSS and SSS) system has been abolished in Nigeria, clarifying that no immediate policy change has been implemented.
On Friday, the ministry emphasized that the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, had only proposed the introduction of a new 12-year basic education system and that the idea remains under review. The government has not yet made any official decision regarding the restructuring of the current education system.
In response to widespread speculation, the Ministry of Education issued an official statement through the Director of Press, Folasade Boriowo, stating that while discussions on potential educational reforms are ongoing, no final decision has been made regarding the phasing out of JSS and SSS. The proposal will undergo further evaluation before any major changes are implemented.
“At the Extraordinary National Council on Education Meeting held on February 6, 2025, in Abuja, the Honourable Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Olatunji Alausa, presented a proposal for discussion—not an immediate policy change. The proposal aims to transition to 12 years of compulsory education while maintaining the existing 6-3-3 structure,” the statement read.
The ministry clarified that under the proposal, the 12-year basic education system would ensure students complete a seamless, uninterrupted learning experience from primary to secondary education. A key component of the proposed changes includes the elimination of external examination barriers between JSS and SSS, allowing students to progress through their education without additional standardized assessments at that stage.
However, the ministry stressed that the proposed reform is still in its early stages and will be subject to further scrutiny, consultations, and policy considerations before any formal adoption.
As part of the decision-making process, the Federal Ministry of Education will conduct a nationwide stakeholder engagement over the next eight months. This consultation phase will involve discussions with education policymakers, state governments, school administrators, teachers, parents, and other relevant stakeholders to gather input on the proposal’s feasibility and implications.
The ministry also confirmed that a final decision on whether to adopt the new 12-year education model will be made at the upcoming National Council on Education (NCE) meeting scheduled for October 2025. Until then, the current 6-3-3-4 education system remains in full effect, and no structural changes have been approved.
“The Ministry urges the public to disregard false claims that JSS and SSS have been scrapped. The Federal Government remains committed to policies that enhance access to quality education while aligning with global best practices. Any policy change will only be implemented after thorough deliberation and approval from relevant authorities,” the statement concluded.
The clarification follows growing concerns from educators, parents, and students regarding the possible restructuring of Nigeria’s education system. Many have taken to social media to express confusion over the reports, prompting the ministry to issue its statement to set the record straight.
As discussions continue, education stakeholders and the general public are encouraged to stay informed through official government channels to avoid misinformation regarding potential changes in Nigeria’s education sector.