FG ponders a 12-year basic education model

The federal government is pondering a shift from the 9-3-4 schooling system to a 12-year basic education model in the country.

This was made known by Tunji Alausa, the minister of education on Thursday, February 7 in Abuja at the 2025 Extraordinary National Council of Education meeting, which is the highest education policy-making body in Nigeria, when he pointed out that the current education model is though has its merits but has some draw backs also.

“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 to further their education.

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“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,” he noted.

The education model currently in operation in Nigeria is the 9-3-4 system, which consists of nine years of basic education, three years of senior secondary education, and four years of tertiary education.

However, Alausa pointed out that some of the issues influencing the convening of the extraordinary National Council of Education meeting include the introduction of a 12-year basic education system in Nigeria’s education framework and the approval of a national policy on bullying, among others.

“A 12-year basic education model will ensure a continuous, uninterrupted curriculum, promoting better standardisation and fostering quality assurance in the education system,” the minister said.

Alausa maintained that a 12-year model will also guarantee that students receive a more comprehensive and continuous learning experience.

According to the minister, this would improve educational outcomes and contribute to a more educated populace that drives Nigeria’s economic development.

He also mentioned the planned conversion of federal science and technical colleges into federal technical colleges.

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The minister highlighted that technical education, which imparts practical and applied skills alongside basic scientific knowledge, is crucial for addressing the current skills gap in the 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 said.

Besides, Alausa stated that the council was looking at the 16-year policy on admission into tertiary institutions, 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 standardise 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 said.