In a move to clarify ongoing speculation, the Federal Ministry of Education has issued a statement to address rumors surrounding a potential overhaul of the Nigerian education system.
According to the statement, the proposed change is merely a suggested introduction of a 12-year basic education system, not an immediate policy change as several media outlets had claimed.
The Director of Press at the Federal Ministry of Education, Folasade Boriowo, emphasized that the proposal presented by Minister of Education, Dr Maruf Olatunji Alausa, was merely a proposal for discussion, not a decision that is in effect.
The proposal aims to transition to a 12-year compulsory education system, retaining the current 6-3-3 structure, while eliminating the examination barrier between Junior Secondary School (JSS) and Senior Secondary School (SSS).
The proposal, which seeks to allow students to progress seamlessly to the next level without external assessments, will be subject to further consultation and deliberation at the National Council on Education meeting.
To ensure a well-rounded decision, the ministry plans to engage with stakeholders, including education policymakers, state governments, teachers, parents, and other key players, over the next eight months.
The final decision on whether to adopt the proposed reform will be made at the National Council on Education meeting in October 2025.
The Federal Ministry of Education urges the public to disregard false claims that JSS and SSS have been scrapped, reaffirming the government’s commitment to enhancing access to quality education while adhering to global best practices.
This clarification comes as a welcome step, as many have been misled by reports of a policy change that would see the scrapping of the JSS and SSS system.
The Federal Government’s continued engagement with stakeholders and commitment to evidence-based decision-making is a testament to its dedication to providing a world-class education system for all Nigerians.
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