The Federal Government has announced a significant proposal to restructure Nigeria’s educational system by scrapping the current Junior and Senior Secondary School (JSS, SSS) model.
In place of the existing system, the government has proposed the introduction of a 12-year basic education model, which will extend uninterrupted learning from primary school through secondary education until students turn 16.
This announcement was made by the Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, during the 2025 extraordinary meeting of the National Council on Education (NCE) held on Thursday in Abuja.
Alausa emphasized that the restructuring would involve phasing out the long-standing 6-3-3-4 education model—which consists of six years of primary education, three years of junior secondary school, three years of senior secondary school, and a minimum of four years of tertiary education—and replacing it with a new 12-4 system.
Under Nigeria’s current education system, a child typically begins schooling at age six, spending six years in primary school and another six years in secondary school before advancing to tertiary education at the minimum age of 18. However, the proposed reform seeks to integrate primary and secondary schooling into a continuous 12-year basic education program.
The Minister explained that by incorporating secondary schools into the basic education framework, students would benefit from uninterrupted academic progression, ensuring they receive a consistent and structured curriculum without unnecessary breaks or transitions between educational phases.
Alausa further highlighted the advantages of the 12-year basic education model, stating that it aims to reduce dropout rates by eliminating financial and systemic barriers that hinder students from completing their secondary education. Additionally, he noted that the new system would standardize the curriculum nationwide and introduce early vocational training programs designed to equip students with essential skills for both higher education and employment opportunities.
The Minister stressed that the reform is aimed at bringing Nigeria’s education system in line with global standards, fostering a more seamless learning experience, and better preparing students for the demands of the modern workforce.
In addition to the restructuring, the government is also proposing a policy to set 16 years as the minimum entry age for tertiary institutions across Nigeria. Alausa emphasized that this adjustment would ensure students are sufficiently mature and academically prepared before proceeding to higher education.
The proposal is currently under review, with the Federal Government seeking approval from the National Council on Education (NCE) to implement these sweeping reforms. If approved, the new 12-year basic education model could mark a major turning point in Nigeria’s education system, addressing long-standing challenges and improving overall educational outcomes in the country.