FG proposes 12-year basic education model in Nigeria

The Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, has proposed a major shift from the current 9-year basic education system to a 12-year basic education model in Nigeria.

Alausa made this call at the 2025 Extraordinary National Council on Education (NCE) meeting on Thursday in Abuja. The NCE is the highest policymaking body in education in Nigeria.

Nigeria currently operates the 9-3-4 system, which comprises nine years of basic education, six years of primary education and three years of junior secondary education followed by three years of senior secondary education and four years of tertiary education.

Highlighting some of the issues necessitating the extraordinary NCE meeting, Alausa noted the proposed introduction of a 12-year basic education system in Nigeria’s education framework and the approval of a national policy on bullying, among other topics.

He said, “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,” Alausa explained.

“It is therefore prudent to transition 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.

“A 12-year basic education model will ensure a continuous, uninterrupted curriculum, promote better standardization, and foster 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.

“A second key agenda item to be discussed at today’s extraordinary meeting is the conversion of federal science and technical colleges into federal technical colleges,” the Minister stated.

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Alausa also mentioned that the Council would be discussing the 16-year minimum age policy for admission into tertiary institutions, which is to be incorporated into the national policy on education.

“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 exceptionally gifted students who are highly functional.

“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 future. These students are capable and ambitious. If we leave them idle, we risk exacerbating mental health issues,” he said.

Regarding the conversion of federal science and technical colleges to federal technical colleges, the Minister emphasized that technical education, which imparts practical and applied skills alongside basic scientific knowledge, is crucial for addressing the current skills gap in the labor market.

“The provision of technical education allows a nation’s human and natural resources to be harnessed more effectively. Therefore, technical education contributes significantly to national development, driving cultural and industrial progress.”

The Extraordinary National Council on Education meeting is expected to issue a communiqué detailing the key decisions made.