In an ambitious move to overhaul its educational system, Nigeria’s Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, has proposed a significant reform that would see the country transition from a 9-3-4 education model to a comprehensive 12-year basic education system.
This proposal was tabled at the 2025 Extraordinary National Council of Education (NCE) meeting, marking a potential shift in how education is structured in Africa’s most populous nation.
Understanding the Proposed Reform to Nigeria’s Education
The current educational structure in Nigeria follows the 9-3-4 system, comprising nine years of basic education (six years of primary and three years of junior secondary), followed by three years of senior secondary education, and then four years of tertiary education.
Dr. Alausa’s proposal suggests moving to a 12-4 model, where the primary and secondary education phases would be combined into a 12-year basic education program, followed by four years of tertiary education.
Objectives Behind the Change
The rationale provided by Dr. Alausa for this reform includes aligning Nigeria’s education system with global standards, ensuring a more continuous and uninterrupted learning experience, and promoting better standardization and quality assurance across the education sector.
He emphasized that such a model would not only enhance educational outcomes but also contribute to a more educated populace, driving economic development.
Key Proposals and Reactions
Age for Tertiary Admission: Another facet of this reform involves setting the minimum age for university admission at 16, aiming to address the issue of gifted students being unable to progress to higher education due to age restrictions.
Technical Education Boost: Dr. Alausa also proposed converting federal science and technical colleges into federal technical colleges, focusing on practical skills to bridge the skills gap in the labor market.
Public reactions have been mixed. Some education experts and stakeholders on platforms like X have welcomed the reform as a step forward, appreciating the potential for a more cohesive and internationally competitive education system.
However, there’s significant concern about the implementation, given Nigeria’s ongoing challenges like inadequate educational funding, dilapidated infrastructures, and poor teacher remuneration.
Clarifications and Misconceptions
Initial reports suggesting the scrapping of Junior and Senior Secondary Schools caused some confusion.
Dr. Alausa clarified that no immediate changes have been made; rather, these are proposals under consideration.
The final decision will be made at the National Council on Education meeting in October 2025, after further discussions with all relevant parties.
Challenges and Skepticism
Critics of the proposal argue that while the structure change is commendable, the focus should also be on improving the quality of education.
Nigeria faces a critical out-of-school children crisis, with millions not enrolled in formal education systems.
There are also concerns about the readiness of the educational infrastructure to support such a vast reform without addressing these foundational issues.
Looking Ahead
The proposal for a 12-year basic education model in Nigeria signals a bold ambition to elevate the educational standards of the country.
However, its success will hinge on several factors:
Funding: Substantial investment in education infrastructure and teacher training.
Implementation: Effective policy rollout that considers regional disparities.
Stakeholder Engagement: Ensuring that all parties, from parents to educators, are on board with the changes.
As Nigeria stands at this educational crossroads, the coming months will be crucial in shaping what this reform could mean for millions of students, potentially setting the stage for a new era in Nigerian education or highlighting the need for more than just structural changes.
