The Federal Government of Nigeria has announced the abolition of Junior Secondary Schools (JSS) and Senior Secondary Schools (SSS) across the country, unveiling a new compulsory 12-year uninterrupted basic education model.
This significant shift marks a departure from the traditional 6-3-3-4 education system, with the government replacing it with a 12-4 model, paving the way for children to seamlessly progress into higher education after completing their basic education.
In addition to the basic education overhaul, the Nigerian Government has sought approval from the National Council on Education (NCE) to officially adopt 16 years as the minimum entry age requirement for tertiary institutions in the country.
Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, made the announcement during the 2025 extraordinary National Council on Education meeting held in Abuja on Thursday. The NCE, as the highest policy-making body in Nigeria’s education sector, has a crucial role in shaping the future of the nation’s educational system.
Dr. Alausa emphasized that by merging secondary education into the broader framework of basic education, students will benefit from continuous learning until they reach the age of 16. This will give them a stronger foundation for both higher education and future employment.
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“By extending basic education to 12 years, we are ensuring that students receive a uniform, standardized curriculum throughout the nation,” said Alausa. “This approach will also expose them early to vocational and entrepreneurial skills, preparing them not only for higher education but also for the workforce.”
He pointed to global trends where similar systems have been implemented in developed nations.
“Many countries have adopted a 12-year basic education model, ensuring that students acquire a solid foundation of knowledge before specializing at the tertiary level. This reform will bring Nigeria’s education system in line with international standards, improving educational outcomes and enhancing our global competitiveness.”
The Minister further underscored the far-reaching benefits of the reform, including reducing dropout rates and eliminating financial and systemic barriers that currently hinder students’ completion of secondary education.
“This change will not only lead to better educational outcomes, but it will also contribute to Nigeria’s economic and social development. Educated youth are key to national growth. By extending the period of compulsory education, we are equipping students with relevant skills to thrive in the workforce and curbing issues like child labor and social vices that stem from premature school dropouts.”
Dr. Alausa also laid out the implementation strategies to integrate secondary education into the basic education framework. These include policy reforms, infrastructure development, teacher training and recruitment, funding, partnerships, and curriculum enhancement—all aimed at ensuring the success of this groundbreaking reform.
