FG Abolishes JSS and SSS, Introduces 12-Year Basic Education System

The Federal Government has scrapped Junior and Senior Secondary Schools, replacing the 6-3-3-4 system with a 12-year uninterrupted basic education model, aiming to enhance learning continuity, reduce dropout rates, and align Nigeria’s education system with global standards.

The Federal Government has announced the scrapping of Junior Secondary School (JSS) and Senior Secondary School (SSS) in Nigeria, replacing the current 6-3-3-4 education system with a new 12-year uninterrupted basic education model.

This new policy ensures that every Nigerian child receives 12 years of continuous education before progressing to tertiary institutions or other career pathways. Additionally, the government has proposed setting 16 years as the minimum entry age into higher institutions, pending approval from the National Council on Education (NCE).

Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, made this announcement on Thursday in Abuja during the 2025 extraordinary NCE meeting. The NCE, recognized as the highest policy-making body in Nigeria’s education sector, convened with commissioners of education from all 36 states, representatives from the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), ministry agencies, and international development partners.

According to Alausa, integrating secondary education into basic education will ensure uninterrupted learning for students up to age 16. He emphasized that the policy aligns with global best practices and will help reduce dropout rates by removing financial and systemic obstacles that prevent students from completing their education.

“Extending basic education to 12 years will provide a standardized curriculum implemented across the country,” the minister said. “This will also expose students to vocational and entrepreneurial skills early, preparing them for both higher education and employment.”

He further noted that many developed countries follow a similar 12-year basic education structure, ensuring students gain a solid academic foundation before specializing at the tertiary level. The reform is expected to enhance educational outcomes and improve Nigeria’s global competitiveness.

Alausa highlighted the broader benefits of the reform, explaining that better-educated youth will contribute more effectively to national development. He added that increasing the years of compulsory education will reduce child labor and other social issues caused by premature school dropouts.

“When students remain in school for a longer period, they develop relevant skills needed for the workforce, leading to economic growth and stability,” he said.

Implementation Strategy

To successfully transition to the new system, the government has outlined key implementation strategies, including:

• Policy Reforms: Updating education policies to reflect the new structure.

• Infrastructure Expansion: Building more classrooms and upgrading school facilities.

• Teacher Training and Recruitment: Enhancing teacher education programs and hiring qualified instructors.

• Funding and Partnerships: Collaborating with private and international organizations to secure funding.

• Curriculum Enhancement: Redesigning school curricula to align with the 12-year education model.

The government is expected to release further details on the rollout plan in the coming months.

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SOURCES: ALLSCHOOL, GUARDIAN