The Federal Government of Nigeria has officially eliminated the Junior Secondary School (JSS) and Senior Secondary School (SSS) structures, introducing a new 12-year uninterrupted basic education model.
Under this new system, every Nigerian child will be required to complete 12 years of compulsory education before being eligible for higher education.
This reform ends the previous 6-3-3-4 education system, replacing it with a 12-4 structure aimed at ensuring continuous learning without interruptions. 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.
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Minister of Education Dr. Tunji Alausa announced these changes at the 2025 Extraordinary National Council on Education meeting in Abuja. He emphasized that the new model aligns with global best practices. By merging secondary education into basic education, the government aims to provide students with a standardized curriculum, thereby 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 countries, where extended basic education has led to stronger academic foundations prior to specialization at the university level.
The event, which was attended by education commissioners from all 36 states and the FCT, as well as agencies under the Ministry and development partners, signifies 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.
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