The Federal Government has announced plans to consult key stakeholders on the proposed 12-year basic education model, which seeks to enhance Nigeria’s education system.
Speaking at a press briefing in Abuja on Friday, the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, clarified that the model is still in the proposal stage and will undergo extensive discussions before any implementation.
Overview of the 12-Year Education Proposal
The proposal, presented during the Extraordinary National Council on Education Meeting, aims to transition Nigeria’s current 9-year compulsory education (6-3-3 system) to 12 years of compulsory education.
Alausa explained that one of the key features is the removal of examination barriers between Junior Secondary School (JSS) and Senior Secondary School (SSS), allowing students to progress seamlessly.
Stakeholder Consultations & Decision Timeline
Over the next eight months, the Ministry of Education will engage in discussions with:
✅ Policymakers
✅ State governments
✅ Teachers
✅ Parents
A final decision will be made at the National Council on Education Meeting in October 2025.
Other Key Education Policies
The minister also revealed that the council approved other major policies, including:
✔️ A national anti-bullying policy
✔️ Use of native languages in primary education
✔️ Minimum age requirements for tertiary institution admissions
These initiatives, Alausa noted, align with global education standards observed in countries like the United States, United Kingdom, and Ghana.
Addressing Declining Education Standards
Alausa emphasized the urgent need for reform, stating that the current 9-year education system produces underprepared graduates.
“If we continue with just nine years of compulsory education, we are essentially training illiterates. We must prepare students for the future by strengthening our education framework,” he said.
Increased Funding for Basic Education
To support the new model, the minister proposed an increase in education funding, stating:
“We currently allocate 2% of the national revenue to basic education. I will advocate for an increase to 5% to ensure better infrastructure and resources for students.”
The proposed 12-year compulsory education model could reshape Nigeria’s learning system.
However, the government has assured that no policy will be implemented without proper stakeholder engagement.
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