The Federal Government has officially scrapped the Junior Secondary School (JSS) and Senior Secondary School (SSS) structure, introducing a new 12-year uninterrupted basic education model.
Under this system, every Nigerian child will now undergo compulsory education for 12 years before becoming eligible for higher education.
This reform marks the end of the 6-3-3-4 system, replacing it with a 12-4 structure aimed at ensuring continuous learning without disruptions. As part of this overhaul, the government is also seeking approval from the National Council on Education (NCE) to establish 16 years as the minimum entry age for tertiary institutions across the country.
Announcing the changes at the 2025 Extraordinary National Council on Education meeting in Abuja, Minister of Education Dr. Tunji Alausa emphasized that the new model aligns with global best practices. He explained that merging secondary education into basic education would ensure that students receive a standardized curriculum, reducing dropouts caused by financial and systemic barriers.
Alausa highlighted that the policy would equip students with vocational and entrepreneurial skills, preparing them for both higher education and direct employment. He cited examples from developed nations, where extended basic education has led to stronger academic foundations before specialization at the university level.
The event, attended by education commissioners from all 36 states and the FCT, agencies under the Ministry, and development partners, signals a major shift in Nigeria’s education landscape. The policy aims to modernize learning, enhance skill development, and ensure that no child is left behind in their educational journey.
