The Nigerian government is proposing a significant shift in the country's education system by introducing a 12-year basic education plan. This change aims to replace the current structure, which includes Junior and Senior Secondary Schools, with a continuous 12 years of education culminating at the age of 16.
The Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, made this recommendation during a meeting of the National Council on Education (NCE) in Abuja on February 6, 2025. The proposed new policy would replace the existing 6-3-3-4 education system with a 12-4 structure, focusing on 12 years of uninterrupted education before students pursue higher learning.
According to Alausa, this reform would align Nigeria's education system with global standards. The Minister also proposed setting the minimum age for university admission at 16, allowing students to complete a longer, continuous period of basic education. One of the key benefits of this new approach, Alausa explained, is that it would help reduce the number of students dropping out of school.
The policy aims to eliminate financial and structural challenges that often hinder students from finishing their education. By incorporating secondary education into the basic education system, the new model would offer a more stable and consistent learning experience for students.
The plan also includes the introduction of vocational and entrepreneurial training earlier in the education process. This would provide students with valuable skills that could help them secure employment or continue to higher education.
The Minister believes that this reform could play a key role in the country’s economic and social development, ensuring that young people are better prepared for the workforce while also tackling issues such as child labour.
“Extending basic education to 12 years will ensure a standardised curriculum that is uniformly implemented across the nation. This will also facilitate early exposure to vocational and entrepreneurial skills, preparing students for both higher education and employment,” Alausa said.
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