The Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, has proposed a transition to a 12-year basic education system in Nigeria, advocating a shift from the current 9-3-4 model to a 12-4 structure.
Speaking at the 2025 Extraordinary National Council of Education meeting in Abuja on Thursday, Alausa emphasised the need for this reform to align Nigeria’s education system with global standards.
The NCE, the highest policymaking body in Nigeria’s education sector, convened 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,” 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.”
Alausa outlined the benefits of the proposed 12-year basic education system, emphasising its potential to provide a more structured and uninterrupted learning experience.
“A 12-year basic education model will ensure a continuous, uninterrupted curriculum, promoting better standardization and fostering quality assurance in the education system,” he said.
He added that this model would provide students with a more comprehensive learning experience, contributing to the nation’s economic development.
Among other crucial issues, the meeting also addressed the conversion of federal science and technical colleges into federal technical colleges and the approval of a national policy on bullying.
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“The introduction of a 12-year basic education system and the conversion of federal science and technical colleges are key agenda points,” Alausa stated.
The Minister acknowledged the merits of the 9-3-4 system but highlighted its limitations, particularly the challenges students face in furthering their education.
Dr. Alausa expressed concern over the current policy barring students under 18 from enrolling in tertiary institutions.
“We are now preventing students, after completing secondary education at age 16, from attending university until they are 18. This delays their development and harms their futures. These talented students deserve better opportunities,” he said.
“These students are capable and brave. If we leave them idle, we risk exacerbating mental health issues,” he warned.
Alausa also highlighted the government’s plan to convert federal science and technical colleges into federal technical colleges, emphasising the critical role of technical education in bridging the skills gap in Nigeria’s labour 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,” he stated.
