Nigerian government abolishes JSS and SSS, adopts 12-year basic education model

Nigeria’s Federal Government has announced a significant change to the country’s education system by scrapping Junior Secondary School (JSS) and Senior Secondary School (SSS) systems.

Instead, a compulsory 12-year uninterrupted basic education model will be introduced, where students will receive continuous education up to the age of 16, after which they can pursue higher education.

This new system aims to replace the existing 6-3-3-4 education structure with a 12-4 model, aligning Nigeria’s educational standards with global best practices.

Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, emphasized that this change will ensure a standardized curriculum, facilitate early exposure to vocational and entrepreneurial skills, and prepare students for both higher education and employment.

The development was unveiled by Dr. Alausa during the 2025 extraordinary National Council on Education (NCE) meeting in Abuja on Thursday.

The NCE, Nigeria’s highest policy-making body in the education sector, convened stakeholders from across the country, including education commissioners from the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), ministry agencies, parastatals, and development partners.

Dr. Alausa emphasized that by integrating secondary education into the basic education framework, students will enjoy uninterrupted learning until the age of 16.

He said: “Extending basic education to 12 years will ensure a standardized curriculum that is uniformly implemented across the nation.”

“This will also facilitate early exposure to vocational and entrepreneurial skills, preparing students for both higher education and employment.

“Many developed nations have implemented similar systems where basic education spans 12 years, ensuring that students acquire foundational knowledge before specializing at tertiary levels.”

“This reform also aligns Nigeria’s education system with international standards, fostering better educational outcomes and global competitiveness.”

Dr. Alausa said it will also lead to economic and social impact, adding that “Educated youth contribute significantly to national development.”

“When students receive an extended period of compulsory education, they are better equipped to join the workforce with relevant skills. This reform will also reduce child labor and other social vices resulting from premature school dropouts.”

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