FG scraps JSS, SSS, introduces 12-year basic education model

The Federal Government has scrapped Junior and Senior Secondary School education and introduced a compulsory 12-year uninterrupted basic education system. This means Nigeria will move from the 6-3-3-4 education structure to a new 12-4 model.

As part of the reforms, the government has also proposed setting 16 years as the minimum age for university admission.

This proposal is awaiting approval from the National Council on Education (NCE), the highest policy-making body in Nigeria’s education sector.

Education Minister Dr. Tunji Alausa announced the changes on Thursday in Abuja during the 2025 Extraordinary National Council on Education meeting. The meeting had in attendance education commissioners from all 36 states, FCT officials, and other key stakeholders.

Why the Change?

The new system will ensure students complete 12 years of uninterrupted education before considering higher studies. According to Alausa, this will eliminate financial and systemic barriers that often cause students to drop out.

“This reform aligns Nigeria’s education system with international standards, fostering better educational outcomes and global competitiveness,” he stated.

The Minister added that the model would expose students to vocational and entrepreneurial skills early, preparing them for both higher education and employment.

Implementation Plans

To integrate this new system, the government will focus on:

• Policy reforms
• Expanding school infrastructure
• Recruiting and training more teachers
• Securing adequate funding
• Enhancing the curriculum

The government believes this policy will reduce child labor, curb social vices, and produce a better-educated workforce for national development.