The Federal Government has announced its intention towards the abolition of the Junior and Senior Secondary School system, replacing it with a 12-year uninterrupted basic education model. Under this new structure, Nigerian students will receive continuous education up to the age of 16 before advancing to tertiary institutions.
The Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, disclosed this development on Thursday in Abuja during the 2025 Extraordinary National Council on Education (NCE) Meeting.
The NCE, recognized as the highest policy-making body in Nigeria’s education sector, hosted education commissioners from all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, as well as representatives from agencies, parastatals, and development partners.
With this reform, the government is phasing out the 6-3-3-4 system and introducing a 12-4 model. It has also proposed setting 16 years as the minimum age for entry into higher education institutions across the country.
Dr. Alausa explained that the new system aligns with global best practices and ensures students receive uninterrupted education up to age 16. He emphasized that the reform would help reduce dropout rates by eliminating financial and systemic barriers that prevent students from completing secondary education. He also noted that a standardized curriculum would be implemented nationwide, ensuring uniformity in education delivery.
The minister highlighted that integrating vocational and entrepreneurial skills training into the curriculum would better prepare students for both higher education and the workforce. He added that by aligning Nigeria’s education system with international standards, students would become more competitive globally.
He further stated that extending basic education would yield long-term benefits for the country’s economic and social development. With students staying in school longer, the government expects a reduction in child labor and social vices often associated with premature school dropouts. He expressed confidence that the reform would equip more young people with the skills necessary to contribute to national growth.