FG Overhauls Education System: Scraps JSS and SSS for 12-Year Basic Education Model

 

By journalist Cabal News

 

The Federal Government has announced plans to eliminate Junior Secondary School (JSS) and Senior Secondary School (SSS) in Nigeria, replacing them with a mandatory 12-year uninterrupted basic education model. This change aims to replace the current 6-3-3-4 education system with a 12-4 structure.

 

The government has also sought approval from the National Council on Education to officially adopt 16 years as the minimum entry age for tertiary institutions in the country.

 

Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, disclosed this during the 2025 extraordinary National Council on Education meeting held in Abuja. The Guardian reports that the NCE is the highest policy-making body in the education sector. The event was attended by education commissioners from the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), as well as agencies, parastatals, and development partners.

 

Dr. Alausa explained that integrating secondary education into basic education would provide students with continuous learning up to the age of 16. He emphasized that the new policy aligns with global best practices and aims to reduce dropout rates by removing financial and systemic barriers that currently prevent students from completing their education.

 

“Extending basic education to 12 years will ensure a standardized curriculum that is uniformly implemented across the nation,” Alausa said. “This will also facilitate early exposure to vocational and entrepreneurial skills, preparing students for both higher education and employment.”

 

He noted that many developed nations have similar systems where basic education spans 12 years, ensuring that students acquire foundational knowledge before specializing at tertiary levels.

 

“This reform aligns Nigeria’s education system with international standards, fostering better educational outcomes and global competitiveness,” he added.

 

The Minister highlighted the economic and social impacts of the reform, stating that educated youth contribute significantly to national development.

 

He added, “When students receive an extended period of compulsory education, they are better equipped to join the workforce with relevant skills. This reform will also reduce child labor and other social vices resulting from premature school dropouts.”

 

Dr. Alausa outlined the implementation strategies for successfully integrating secondary education into basic education, including policy reforms, infrastructure expansion, teacher training and recruitment, funding and partnerships, and curriculum enhancement.