The Federal Government has proposed that the current 9-3-4 education system should be replaced with a 12-4 structure.
Team@orientactualmags.com learned that Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa disclosed this during the 2025 Extraordinary National Council of Education meeting in Abuja on Thursday.
He emphasized the need for the reform to make Nigeria’s education system be in tune with global standards.
Members of the National Council of Education which is the highest policymaking body in Nigeria’s education sector met to deliberate on key issues, including the proposed 12-year model and the approval of a national policy on bullying.
‘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 in order to further their education.
It is therefore prudent to transit from the 9-3-4 to the 12-4 system of education. By doing so, Nigeria will align with global standards in preparing students for better tertiary education’ he said.
The minister also talked about the advantages of the proposed 12-year basic education system noting that it will help to provide a more structured and uninterrupted learning experience.
‘A 12-year basic education model will ensure a continued, uninterrupted curriculum, promoting better standardization and fostering quality assurance in the education system.
It will also guarantee that students receive a more comprehensive and continuous learning experience, improve educational outcomes, and contribute to a more educated populace that drives Nigeria’s economic development’ he added.
The minister also commented on the 16-year tertiary admission policy and its concomitant negative effects on talented young people in the country.
‘I am sure many of you have heard about the challenges we face as a nation with talented, bright students being disenfranchised from pursuing tertiary education.
In any society, it is crucial to standardize the education of highly functional and exceptionally gifted students.
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.
These students are capable and brave. If we leave them idle, we risk exacerbating mental health issues’ he submitted-Team@orientactualmags.com Do you have any information you wish to share with us? Do you want us to cover your event or programme? Kindly send SMS to 08059100286, 09094171980 or get in touch via orientactualmag@gmail.com. Thank you
