Nigeria’s Education Minister Proposes Transition to 12-Year Basic Education Model and Conversion of Science Colleges at Extraordinary National Education Meeting
Abuja, Nigeria – Education Minister Dr. Tunji Alausa has ignited a national conversation on the future of education in Nigeria, proposing a significant shift from the current 9-3-4 system to a 12-4 model. Addressing the 2025 Extraordinary National Council of Education meeting in Abuja on Thursday, Alausa championed the 12-year basic education system as a crucial step towards aligning with global standards and enhancing the quality of learning.
“By doing so, Nigeria will align with global standards in preparing students for better tertiary education,” Alausa stated. He emphasized that the proposed model would ensure a continuous and uninterrupted curriculum, promoting better standardization and fostering quality assurance within the education system.
The minister argued that a 12-year basic education structure guarantees students a more comprehensive and continuous learning experience, ultimately improving educational outcomes and contributing to a more educated populace capable of driving Nigeria’s economic development.
Beyond the proposed system change, the extraordinary meeting also focused on the conversion of federal science and technical colleges into federal technical colleges. Alausa explained that this initiative aims to address the current skills gap in the labor market by prioritizing technical education, which imparts practical and applied skills alongside foundational scientific knowledge.
He asserted that technical education is crucial for effectively harnessing Nigeria’s human and natural resources, thereby contributing significantly to national development and driving both cultural and industrial progress.
A particularly sensitive issue addressed at the council meeting was the 16-year policy on admission into tertiary institutions. Alausa acknowledged the challenges faced by talented young students who are currently prevented from pursuing higher education until they reach 18. He expressed concern that this policy disenfranchises bright students, delaying their development and potentially harming their futures.
“In any society, it is crucial to standardize the education of exceptionally gifted students who are highly functional,” he emphasized. The minister argued that preventing these students, who have completed secondary education at 16, from immediately attending university not only delays their progress but also risks exacerbating mental health issues due to prolonged periods of inactivity. He called for a reevaluation of the policy to ensure these gifted students are given the opportunity to reach their full potential.
Alausa also acknowledged the merits and drawbacks of the current 9-3-4 system, particularly the financial burden it places on some students who are forced to work to fund their education. He believes that the proposed 12-year system offers a more streamlined and supportive educational pathway.
The National Council of Education meeting served as a crucial platform for discussing these critical issues, including the proposed 12-year basic education system, the conversion of technical colleges, and the contentious 16-year tertiary admission policy. The outcomes of these discussions are poised to shape the future of education in Nigeria and impact generations of students to come. The council’s decisions will be closely watched as Nigeria strives to build a robust and globally competitive education system.
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