In response to recent reports suggesting the elimination of Junior Secondary School (JSS) and Senior Secondary School (SSS) levels, the Federal Government has issued a clarification, labeling such claims as misleading and untrue. Dr. Maruf Olatunji Alausa, the Honourable Minister of Education, addressed the matter during an Extraordinary National Council on Education (NCE) meeting held on Thursday in Abuja. He however reiterated that the government is not implementing an immediate policy change but is considering a proposal to enhance the current educational framework. Alausa outlined his vision for a continuous, standardized 12-year basic education program designed to better prepare students for tertiary education and align Nigeria with global educational standards.
In his address, the minister acknowledged that while the current 9-3-4 system—which segments education into nine years of basic schooling, three years of senior secondary education, and four years of tertiary study—has produced commendable results, it also imposes significant challenges. “It is important to acknowledge that while the 9-3-4 system of education has its merits, it also has drawbacks, such as the need for students to work to further their education,” he stated. By shifting to a 12-4 system, Alausa argues that Nigerian students will benefit from an “uninterrupted curriculum” that not only promotes standardization and quality assurance but also better harnesses the nation’s human and natural resources through a stronger emphasis on technical education. This, according to him is vital for driving both cultural and industrial progress.
One of the most pointed aspects of the minister’s remarks was his concern over the current age policy for tertiary admission. Under the existing system, many exceptionally gifted students finish secondary school at 16 yet are required to wait until 18 before they can enroll in a university program. “We are now preventing these students, after finishing secondary education at the age of 16, from attending university until they are 18. This delays their development and harms their futures,” Alausa warned, emphasizing the potential mental health implications of such delays. By proposing the new model, the minister aims to standardize the educational journey for highly functional and exceptionally gifted students, ensuring that their talents are not stifled by systemic constraints.
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Alausa’s proposal is not solely about extending the number of compulsory schooling years; it is also about aligning Nigeria’s educational system with global best practices. Many developed nations operate on a 12-year basic education model, which offers students a more holistic and comprehensive foundation before they move on to tertiary studies. The minister’s vision underscores the belief that a well-structured, continuous educational framework will improve learning outcomes, reduce dropout rates, and ultimately fuel the nation’s economic development.
To ensure a comprehensive evaluation, the Ministry plans to conduct extensive stakeholder engagements over the next eight months. This process will involve consultations with education policymakers, state governments, teachers, parents, and other key stakeholders. A final decision regarding the adoption of this reform is anticipated at the National Council on Education Meeting scheduled for October 2025.
The Ministry urges the public to disregard any false claims that JSS and SSS have been scrapped. The Federal Government remains committed to implementing policies that enhance access to quality education and align with global best practices.
The minister also hinted that discussions at the National Council of Education would extend beyond the basic education structure to include reforms such as the conversion of federal science and technical colleges into full-fledged technical institutions, as well as revisiting policies around bullying in schools.
