The Federal Government has unveiled plans to replace Nigeria's long-standing 6-3-3-4 education system with a 12-Year Continuous Basic Education Model as part of efforts to improve access to education, reduce school dropout rates, and strengthen the country's basic education system.
The proposal was disclosed by the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, during the inauguration of the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) Ministerial Implementation and Monitoring Committee in Abuja.
WHY THE FG WANTS TO REPLACE THE 6-3-3-4 SYSTEM
According to the Minister, the current structure, which separates Junior Secondary School (JSS) from Senior Secondary School (SSS), has not achieved its intended objectives.
He revealed that over 20 million Nigerian children drop out of school before reaching the senior secondary level, largely due to the shortage of junior secondary schools across the country.
Dr. Alausa explained that while Nigeria has approximately 80,000 public primary schools, there are only about 15,000 junior secondary schools, creating a significant imbalance that contributes to overcrowding and limited access to secondary education.
THE PROPOSED 12-YEAR CONTINUOUS BASIC EDUCATION MODEL
Under the proposed reform, learners will undergo 12 years of uninterrupted basic education, eliminating the structural break between junior and senior secondary education.
According to the Minister, the new model is expected to:
- Improve transition from primary to secondary education.
- Increase access to quality basic education.
- Reduce the number of out-of-school children.
- Improve student retention until the completion of secondary education.
- Strengthen learning outcomes across the country.
The proposal will be presented at the next meeting of the National Council on Education (NCE) for consideration and possible approval.
FG INAUGURATES UBEC IMPLEMENTATION AND MONITORING COMMITTEE
As part of efforts to improve the quality of basic education, Dr. Alausa also inaugurated the UBEC Ministerial Implementation and Monitoring Committee.
The committee, chaired by Prof. Rashid Aderinoye, has been tasked with supervising the completion and effective operation of:
- UBEC Smart Schools
- Bilingual Schools
- Alternative Schools
The committee will ensure that these projects become fully operational and accessible to learners across the country.
CONCERN OVER UNCOMPLETED EDUCATION PROJECTS
The Minister expressed concern that many schools constructed with public funds remain either incomplete or have not commenced academic activities.
He emphasized the need for greater accountability to ensure that educational infrastructure funded by government serves its intended purpose and benefits Nigerian students.
A STEP TOWARDS ADDRESSING THE OUT-OF-SCHOOL CHILDREN CRISIS
The Federal Government believes the proposed education reforms will significantly reduce the country's out-of-school children population while improving the overall quality, accessibility, and effectiveness of Nigeria's basic education system.
If approved by the National Council on Education, the 12-Year Continuous Basic Education Model will mark one of the most significant reforms in Nigeria's education sector, creating a seamless learning pathway that keeps more children in school and better prepares them for higher education and future careers.