The Federal Government has scrapped the current junior and senior secondary school structure and introduced a 12-year uninterrupted basic education model.
Education Minister Dr. Tunji Alausa announced the change on Thursday during the 2025 extraordinary National Council on Education meeting in Abuja.
This means Nigerian students will now complete their basic education without division before advancing to higher education.
This new system replaces the existing 6-3-3-4 structure with a 12-4 model.
The government has also proposed setting the minimum age for university admission at 16.
The gathering included education commissioners from all states, officials from the Ministry of Education, and development partners.
According to Alausa, merging secondary education into basic education will provide a continuous learning experience up to age 16.
The reform aims to improve education quality, reduce school dropout rates, and remove financial barriers that prevent students from completing their studies.
The new model will introduce a standardized curriculum nationwide, with early exposure to vocational and entrepreneurial skills.
Alausa stated that many developed countries follow similar systems, ensuring students build a strong academic foundation before specializing in higher education.
Beyond academics, the government believes the policy will contribute to national development by equipping young people with relevant skills, reducing child labour, and curbing social issues linked to school dropouts.
The minister outlined key steps for implementation, including policy adjustments, expanding school infrastructure, training and hiring teachers, securing funding, and enhancing the curriculum.
