Nigeria Scraps Junior and Senior Secondary Schools, Adopts 12-Year Basic Education Abuja, Nigeria.
The Federal Government has announced a major overhaul of its education system, scrapping the Junior and Senior Secondary School structure and introducing a 12-year compulsory basic education program. This means students will now complete their basic education up to the age of 16 before progressing to higher education.
This reform replaces the existing 6-3-3-4 system with a 12-4 model and proposes setting 16 as the minimum age for tertiary education admission, pending approval from the National Council on Education (NCE).
Education Minister, Dr. Tunji Alausa, unveiled these changes at the 2025 Extraordinary NCE meeting in Abuja on Thursday. The meeting brought together education commissioners from all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, along with ministry agencies, parastatals, and development partners.
Dr. Alausa explained that integrating secondary education into basic education will provide students with a continuous learning experience up to age 16. He emphasized that this aligns with global best practices and aims to reduce dropout rates by eliminating financial and systemic barriers.
“ExtendingJunior and Senior Secondary School to 12 years will ensure a standardized, nationally implemented curriculum,” Alausa stated. “This will also facilitate early exposure to vocational and entrepreneurial skills, preparing students for both higher education and employment.” He noted that many developed nations have similar 12-year basic education systems, ensuring students have a strong foundation before specializing at the tertiary level. This reform also brings Nigeria’s education system in line with international standards, promoting better outcomes and global competitiveness.
The Minister highlighted the significant economic and social benefits of the reform, stating.
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“Educated youths contribute significantly to national development. Extended compulsory education equips students with relevant workforce skills. This reform will also reduce child labor and other social vices stemming from premature school dropouts.”
Key implementation strategies include policy reforms, infrastructure development, teacher recruitment and training, increased funding through partnerships, and curriculum improvements. “Incorporating technical, vocational, and digital literacy education will equip students with 21st-century skills from an early age,” Alausa added.
He stressed the need for radical change in Nigeria’s education system to ensure its continued role in socio-economic growth and development. While primary and secondary school management rests with state governments, the Federal Government provides technical and funding support. Alausa called for a collaborative approach to address the sector’s challenges and implement necessary changes.
“Subsuming secondary education into basic education to span 12 years is a necessary step towards creating a more inclusive, equitable, and globally competitive system,” Alausa concluded. “It is time for us to embrace this reform to secure the future of our children and ultimately, the prosperity of our nation.”
