FG Scraps JSS, SSS, Introduces 12-Year Basic Education Model

The Federal Government is set to abolish Junior and Senior Secondary Schools, replacing them with a 12-year uninterrupted basic education model.

This decision was said to be aimed at aims ensuring continuous learning for Nigerian children before higher education.

The new system replaces the 6-3-3-4 structure with a 12-4 model. It seeks to eliminate systemic barriers, reduce dropout rates, and standardize learning across the country.

Education Minister, Dr. Tunji Alausa, announced the policy on Thursday in Abuja during the 2025 extraordinary National Council on Education (NCE) meeting. The NCE is the highest policymaking body in education.

The event was attended by education commissioners from all states, the FCT, and stakeholders from the Ministry of Education, including development partners and agency representatives.

According to Dr. Alausa, integrating secondary education into basic education will provide students with a structured and uninterrupted learning experience up to age 16.

He noted that many developed nations already operate similar models, ensuring students gain foundational knowledge before pursuing specialized higher education.

He added that the policy would have social and economic benefits by reducing child labor, addressing youth unemployment, and curbing social vices linked to school dropouts.

The minister took.his time to announce the federal government’s plan for implementing the reform. This includes policy adjustments, infrastructure expansion, teacher recruitment, improved funding, and curriculum enhancements.