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 announced 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 GOVERNMENT WANTS TO REPLACE THE 6-3-3-4 SYSTEM

According to the Minister, the current education structure, which separates Junior Secondary School (JSS) from Senior Secondary School (SSS), has not achieved its intended objectives.

He revealed that more than 20 million Nigerian children drop out of school before reaching the senior secondary level, largely due to the inadequate number of junior secondary schools across the country.

Dr. Alausa explained that while Nigeria currently has approximately 80,000 public primary schools, there are only about 15,000 junior secondary schools, creating a significant gap in the education system.

This imbalance, he noted, has resulted in overcrowded classrooms, limited access to secondary education, and increased dropout rates.

WHAT THE 12-YEAR CONTINUOUS BASIC EDUCATION MODEL MEANS

Under the proposed reform, pupils will receive 12 years of uninterrupted basic education without the structural separation between junior and senior secondary education.

The Federal Government believes the new model will:

• Improve the transition from primary to secondary education.
• Reduce the number of out-of-school children.
• Increase retention rates throughout the basic education cycle.
• Expand access to quality secondary education.
• Ensure more Nigerian children complete their basic education.

PROPOSAL TO BE PRESENTED TO THE NATIONAL COUNCIL ON EDUCATION

The Minister disclosed that the proposal to phase out the 6-3-3-4 system will be presented at the next meeting of the National Council on Education (NCE) for consideration and possible approval.

If adopted, the reform would mark one of the most significant changes to Nigeria’s education system in decades.

FG INAUGURATES UBEC IMPLEMENTATION COMMITTEE

During the event, Dr. Alausa also inaugurated the UBEC Ministerial Implementation and Monitoring Committee, chaired by Prof. Rashid Aderinoye.

The committee has been tasked with overseeing the completion and effective operation of:

• UBEC Smart Schools
• Bilingual Schools
• Alternative Schools

The committee is expected to ensure that these projects, many of which were funded with public resources, are completed and made fully operational for learners across the country.

CONCERN OVER ABANDONED EDUCATION PROJECTS

The Minister expressed concern that several education projects funded by the government remain incomplete or are yet to commence academic activities.

He emphasized the need for greater accountability to ensure that completed schools are equipped, functional, and accessible to students nationwide.

A STEP TOWARDS REDUCING OUT-OF-SCHOOL CHILDREN

The Federal Government believes the proposed reforms will play a crucial role in addressing Nigeria’s out-of-school children crisis while improving learning outcomes and expanding educational opportunities for millions of children.

If approved, the new 12-Year Continuous Basic Education Model is expected to reshape Nigeria’s education system by creating a more seamless learning pathway and ensuring that more students remain in school through the completion of their secondary education.