The Federal Government has clarified that the proposed extension to a 12-year compulsory education system will maintain the existing 6-3-3 structure, contrary to recent reports suggesting the elimination of Junior Secondary School (JSS) and Senior Secondary School (SSS).
In a statement released by the Director of Press and Public Relations, Folasade Boriowo, on Friday in Abuja, the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, emphasized that there is no plan to replace JSS and SSS with a new 12-year uninterrupted basic education model.
Dr. Alausa clarified that his recent presentation at the Extraordinary National Council on Education (NCE) meeting on February 6 was a proposal for discussion, not an immediate policy change. The proposal aims to extend compulsory education to 12 years while retaining the current 6-3-3 structure.
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A significant aspect of this proposal is the removal of the examination barrier between JSS and SSS, facilitating a seamless transition for students without the need for external assessments at that stage. Dr. Alausa noted that this suggestion is still under consultation and deliberation.
To ensure a well-informed decision, the Ministry plans to conduct extensive stakeholder engagements over the next eight months, consulting with education policymakers, state governments, teachers, parents, and other key players. The final decision on adopting this reform is expected at the National Council on Education Meeting in October 2025.
The public is urged to disregard false claims that JSS and SSS have been scrapped. The Federal Government remains committed to enhancing access to quality education while aligning with global best practices.
