The Federal Government of Nigeria has announced the abolition of Junior Secondary School (JSS) and Senior Secondary School (SSS), replacing the existing 6-3-3-4 education system with a new 12-4 model. Under this reform, Nigerian students will undergo 12 years of uninterrupted basic education before aspiring to higher education.
Additionally, the government is seeking approval from the National Council on Education (NCE) to set 16 years as the minimum entry age for tertiary institutions.
Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, disclosed this during the 2025 Extraordinary National Council on Education Meeting in Abuja on Thursday.
He explained that by integrating secondary education into basic education, students will enjoy seamless learning up to age 16, reducing dropout rates and eliminating financial and systemic barriers that hinder educational progression.
Alausa emphasized that the new structure aligns with global best practices, enabling early exposure to vocational and entrepreneurial skills, which will better prepare students for both higher education and employment.
“Many developed nations have adopted similar models where basic education spans 12 years, ensuring that students acquire a strong foundation before specializing at the tertiary level. This reform aligns Nigeria’s education system with international standards, fostering better educational outcomes and global competitiveness,” Alausa said.
The Minister highlighted the expected economic and social benefits, stating that an extended period of compulsory education will help tackle child labor and social vices, while equipping students with relevant skills for national development.
The implementation strategies include:
- Policy reforms to integrate secondary education into basic education.
- Infrastructure expansion to accommodate the extended learning period.
- Teacher training and recruitment to support the new system.
- Increased funding and partnerships for sustainability.
- Curriculum enhancement to align with the new education structure.
The meeting was attended by education commissioners from all 36 states and the FCT, alongside stakeholders from the education sector.