By Peace Erewunmi

The Federal Government has announced plans to overhaul Nigeria’s education structure by eliminating the traditional separation between Junior Secondary School (JSS) and Senior Secondary School (SSS) as part of a broader reform aimed at reducing school dropout rates and strengthening basic education. The proposal seeks to create a seamless 12-year basic education system that keeps learners in school continuously until completion of secondary education.

Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, said the current arrangement has contributed to the high number of students who drop out before completing secondary education. According to him, millions of children who begin primary education fail to progress to senior secondary school, creating a major challenge for the country’s educational development.

Under the proposed model, Nigeria would move toward a compulsory 12-year uninterrupted basic education framework designed to provide continuous learning without the structural barriers that currently exist between junior and senior secondary education. The reform is intended to improve retention, increase access to education, and better prepare students for tertiary education and employment opportunities.

Education officials argue that integrating secondary education into a continuous basic education programme will align Nigeria more closely with international educational standards. The proposal is also expected to strengthen vocational and skills-based learning while providing students with a more standardized educational experience.

The reform builds on discussions that began in 2025 when the Federal Ministry of Education proposed a transition from the existing 6-3-3-4 structure toward a 12-year compulsory education model. At the time, the ministry clarified that it was proposing a reform rather than an immediate abolition of JSS and SSS. Stakeholder consultations were subsequently undertaken to assess the feasibility and impact of the policy.

Supporters of the proposal believe it could help reduce dropout rates, child labour, and other social challenges associated with interrupted schooling. They also argue that longer compulsory education would equip students with stronger academic and vocational skills before entering higher institutions or the workforce.

However, some education stakeholders have called for caution, noting that structural reforms alone may not improve learning outcomes unless accompanied by improvements in teacher training, infrastructure, funding, and learning resources. They stress that successful implementation will require extensive planning and coordination among federal and state governments.

If fully implemented, the reform would represent one of the most significant changes to Nigeria’s education system in decades and could reshape the educational journey of millions of students across the country.