In an effort to reposition Nigerian education model to fit into the world best practice, the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa has advocated for a shift to a 12-year basic education model in Nigeria. Alausa made the proposal yesterday in Abuja, during the 2025 Extraordinary National Council of Education meeting, which is the highest education policy-making body in Nigeria.
Nigeria currently operates a model of 9-3-4 system, which consists of nine years of basic education, three years of senior secondary education, and four years of tertiary education, after it dumped the 6-3-3-4 model when universal Basic Education was introduced.
The Minister 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.
In his statement at the meeting, Alausa 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 to further their education,” he 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, promoting better standardization and fostering quality assurance in the education system,” he added.
According to him, a 12-year model will also guarantee that students receive a more comprehensive and continuous learning experience.
This, he said, would improve and redefine educational outcomes and significantly contribute to a more educated populace that drives Nigeria’s socio-economic development.
He also disclosed the plan of converting all federal science and technical colleges into federal technical colleges.
The minister reiterated there is need to fill in the gap of skilled labour in our labour market and technical education will come handy to imparts that required practical and applied skills alongside basic scientific knowledge.
The Minister noted that “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 also recalled the issue bordering on the call for the 16-year policy on admission into tertiary institutions by the Nigerian children, to be incorporated into the national policy on education.
He said, “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 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.