February 07, (THEWILL) – The Federal Government has debunked claims that the proposed 12-year Basic Education Model will scrap the Junior Secondary School and Senior Secondary School system in Nigeria.
The Director of Press, Federal Ministry of Education, Folashade Boriowo, made this clarification in a statement on Friday, insisting that the proposal does not replace the existing 6-3-3 education structure but rather aims to streamline the transition process for students.
The clarification follows reports that Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, during the Extraordinary National Council on Education Meeting in Abuja on Thursday, announced plans for a compulsory 12-year uninterrupted basic education model before students proceed to higher education.
Addressing concerns over the implications of this proposal, Boriowo stated that the plan seeks to remove the examination barrier between JSS and SSS, allowing for a seamless progression without the hurdle of an external assessment at that stage.
The statement read, “The attention of the Federal Ministry of Education has been drawn to misleading reports suggesting that the Federal Government has scrapped Junior Secondary School (JSS) and Senior Secondary School (SSS) and replaced them with a new 12-year uninterrupted basic education model.
“We wish to categorically state that this is not true.
“At the Extraordinary National Council on Education (NCE) Meeting held on February 6, 2025, in Abuja, the Honourable Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Olatunji Alausa, presented a proposal for discussion—not an immediate policy change. The proposal seeks to migrate to 12 years of compulsory education while retaining the 6-3-3 structure.
“A key aspect of this proposal is to eliminate the examination barrier between JSS and SSS, allowing for a seamless transition without the hurdles of an external assessment at that stage. However, this is still subject to consultation and deliberation.”
Boriowo further assured that the Federal Government will engage stakeholders over the next eight months, consulting with education policymakers, state governments, teachers, parents, and other key players before making a final decision at the October 2025 National Council on Education Meeting.
“The ministry urges the public to disregard false claims that JSS and SSS have been scrapped. The Federal Government remains committed to policies that enhance access to quality education while aligning with global best practices,” the statement added.
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