The Federal Government has explained that the junior and senior secondary school system was undergoing review in favor of a possible 12-year compulsory basic education model.
Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, at a press conference in Abuja on Friday explained that the proposed 12-year compulsory basic education plan aims to ensure uninterrupted learning from primary to senior secondary school, eliminating barriers that contribute to school dropouts.
“The plan is not to disrupt the system but to strengthen it,” Alausa stated. “We are moving towards a 12-year compulsory basic education covering six years of primary school, three years of junior secondary, and three years of senior secondary.”
He emphasized that neither primary, junior, nor senior secondary education has been scrapped. Instead, the new system extends the mandatory schooling period from nine to 12 years, ensuring continuous education without disruptions.
Key reforms include the removal of the common entrance examination except for admission into Federal Government Colleges, Unity Schools, and the elimination of the junior secondary transition exam.
“With this approach, we aim to reduce dropout rates, particularly after junior secondary school, ensuring children receive a full and uninterrupted education. This system will also be free and compulsory,” Alausa added.
Recall that reports went viral last week that the minister had proposed scrapping of the junior and senior secondary school model in the country in favour of a 12-year basic education model.
Alausa had said under the new policy, students will complete this unified cycle before pursuing higher education.
The government also proposed raising the minimum entry age for tertiary institutions to 16, pending approval from the National Council on Education, NCE, the apex policymaking body for the sector.
Alausa emphasized that integrating secondary education into the basic education framework ensures uninterrupted learning until age 16, aligning Nigeria with global standards.
“This model guarantees a standardized national curriculum and early vocational training, equipping students for academia or the workforce,” he had stated.
