The Nigerian government has proposed a transition to a 12-year compulsory basic education model within the existing 6-3-3 system.
The Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, announced the proposal during a press briefing in Abuja, stating that the government will engage stakeholders over the next eight months before making a final decision.
A key feature of the proposal is the removal of the examination barrier between Junior Secondary School (JSS) and Senior Secondary School (SSS), allowing students to progress seamlessly without external assessments at that stage.
The aim is to emulate global best practices seen in countries like the US, UK, and Ghana, where 12 years of education are compulsory, leading to improved educational outcomes.
The proposal is still under consultation, and its implementation depends on further deliberation.
The government plans to engage in extensive consultations with key stakeholders, including policymakers, state governments, teachers, and parents, before making a final decision at the National Council on Education Meeting in October 2025.
The government is committed to ensuring the new policy does not disrupt the educational sector and will involve extensive stakeholder consultations before making a final decision.
Efforts will be made to improve funding, particularly for early childhood education, and strengthen the quality of public schools to equip students with the skills necessary for success in life, whether in further education or the workforce.
The proposal reflects the government’s commitment to improving the quality of education in Nigeria and preparing students for the future.
The transition to a 12-year compulsory education model is expected to enhance educational outcomes and align Nigeria’s education system with global best practices.