Dr. Tunji Alausa, the Minister of Education, has proposed the adoption of a 12-year basic education model, which would effectively phase out the current Junior Secondary School (JSS) and Senior Secondary School (SSS) system in Nigeria.
The minister made this announcement during the 2025 extraordinary meeting of the National Council on Education (NCE) held in Abuja on Thursday.
The meeting brought together education commissioners from all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), as well as representatives from various ministries, departments, agencies (MDAs), and development partners.
Alausa emphasized that replacing the existing 6-3-3-4 education model with a 12-4 system would align Nigeria’s educational framework with global standards.
Currently, Nigeria’s 6-3-3-4 system requires children to enroll in primary school at age six, complete six years of primary education, followed by three years of junior secondary and three years of senior secondary education, typically concluding at age 18.
Under the proposed 12-year basic education model, secondary schools would be integrated into the basic education system, ensuring uninterrupted learning until students reach the age of 16. The minister also revealed that the government is seeking NCE approval to set 16 years as the minimum entry age for tertiary institutions.
Alausa highlighted several benefits of the new system, including a reduction in dropout rates by eliminating financial and systemic barriers.
He added that the 12-year model would standardize the curriculum and introduce early vocational training, better preparing students for higher education and the workforce.
The minister further noted that the policy, if implemented, would contribute to Nigeria’s economic and social development by equipping young people with relevant skills and reducing the prevalence of child labor.
Key strategies for implementing the proposed model include policy reforms, infrastructure expansion, teacher training, and curriculum development.
These measures aim to ensure a smooth transition and the successful adoption of the 12-year basic education system
