The Federal Ministry of Education has clarified a recent proposal regarding the potential introduction of a 12-year basic education system, which would replace the current 6-3-3 structure. The proposal was discussed by the Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Olatunji Alausa, during the Extraordinary National Council on Education Meeting held on February 6, 2025, in Abuja. However, the ministry has emphasized that this is still a discussion point and not an immediate policy change.
The proposed shift aims to eliminate the examination barrier between Junior Secondary School (JSS) and Senior Secondary School (SSS), allowing students to progress without external assessments at that stage. Despite the proposal, the Ministry clarified that it remains under further consultation and deliberation. They assured the public that the proposal would undergo extensive stakeholder engagements over the next eight months with policymakers, state governments, teachers, parents, and other key stakeholders. The final decision on whether to adopt this reform will be made during the National Council on Education meeting in October 2025.
The Ministry urged the public to disregard any misinformation about the scrapping of JSS and SSS. The Federal Government remains committed to policies that will enhance access to quality education while aligning with global best practices.
