The Federal Government has announced a major reform in Nigeria’s education system, scrapping the Junior Secondary School (JSS) and Senior Secondary School (SSS) structure while introducing a new 12-year basic education model.
The Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, disclosed this during the 2025 Extraordinary National Council on Education meeting in Abuja. He explained that the new system, known as the 12-4 model, will ensure uninterrupted learning for students up to age 16, replacing the existing 6-3-3-4 system.
According to the minister, the reform aims to reduce dropout rates, eliminate systemic barriers, and provide equal educational opportunities for all students. He emphasized that the change aligns with global best practices, ensuring students receive comprehensive foundational education before progressing to specialized fields in tertiary institutions.
“The 12-year basic education model is designed to equip students with the necessary knowledge and skills before advancing to higher education or vocational training. This will not only improve the quality of learning but also enhance the nation’s human capital development,” Dr. Alausa stated.
As part of the transition plan, the government is working on policy adjustments, teacher training, curriculum restructuring, and infrastructure expansion to accommodate the new system. Additionally, there are ongoing discussions to set 16 years as the minimum age for admission into tertiary institutions.
Education stakeholders have welcomed the reform but called for proper implementation to avoid disruptions in the system. The government has assured that a clear roadmap will be provided to guide the transition process and ensure a smooth adoption of the new model.
The 12-year basic education model is expected to take effect soon, with further details on implementation timelines to be released by the Ministry of Education.
