FG Explains Proposed 12-Year Basic Education, Says No Final Decision Yet- Ekohotblog

FG Clears Air on Scrapping of 6-3-3-4
Says It’s Still A Proposal on The Table
Assures That NCE Will Take the Final Decision at The Appropriate Time

The federal government has denied reports that it has removed the Junior Secondary School (JSS) and Senior Secondary School (SSS) system. It explained that discussions about possible changes are still ongoing.

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The Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, said in an interview that the government is thinking about introducing a 12-year basic education system without breaks, but no final decision has been made.

This response came after a news report claimed that the government had replaced the current 6-3-3-4 system with a 12-4 model. The report also said that the minister made this announcement at a National Council on Education (NCE) meeting in Abuja.

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However, Alausa clarified that Nigeria is still discussing the idea and has not started implementing any changes. He explained that any decision must first be approved by the National Council on Education, which is responsible for education policies in Nigeria.

Why the Change is Being Considered

The minister said the proposed system would extend Nigeria’s compulsory education from 9 years to 12 years to strengthen students’ foundation before higher education.

He noted that past school structures produced better-prepared students, and that increasing basic education to 12 years would help improve learning and match global education standards.

Alausa also pointed out that some bright students finish secondary school at 16 years old but are forced to wait until they turn 18 before they can enter university. He said this delay could affect their development and mental health.