A seismic shift is brewing in Nigeria’s education sector, with the Federal Government mulling a transition from the long-standing 6-3-3-4 system to a 12-4 model.
Education Minister Dr. Tunji Alausa dropped the bombshell, revealing that the proposal will take center stage at an extraordinary National Council on Education (NCE) meeting, the country’s top policy-making body, in Abuja.
For decades, Nigeria has adhered to the 6-3-3-4 system—six years of primary education, three years of junior secondary, three years of senior secondary, and four years of tertiary education.
However, Alausa believes it’s time for a revamp. Among the key issues on the table: introducing a 12-year uninterrupted basic education framework and tackling a national policy on bullying.
“Look, the 9-3-4 system has had its perks, but let’s be honest—it’s got cracks. Many students are forced to juggle academics and work just to survive,” Alausa stated. “By shifting to the 12-4 model, we align with global benchmarks and provide a seamless, standardized education system.”
The proposed overhaul aims to guarantee students a more structured and continuous learning experience, boost educational outcomes, and ultimately create a more informed and competent workforce to fuel Nigeria’s economic ambitions.
Beyond restructuring basic education, today’s high-stakes meeting will also debate the conversion of federal science and technical colleges into federal technical colleges. The idea? Prioritize hands-on skills that bridge the glaring gap between academia and industry.
“Technical education is not just an afterthought—it’s a necessity,” the minister emphasized. “If we want to tap into our vast human and natural resources effectively, we must rethink how we educate our youth.”
Also on the agenda: a potential revision of the 16-year minimum age for university admission. Alausa lamented how prodigious students, who breeze through secondary school before turning 18, are left in limbo, unable to progress academically.
“We’re effectively stalling their intellectual growth! These kids are brilliant, driven, and eager to learn. Keeping them idle only worsens mental health concerns,” he warned.
Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suwaiba Said Ahmad, weighed in on how President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration is tackling education reforms. Rather than drowning in a sea of new policies, the focus is on executing existing ones—particularly those that drive quality, equity, and human capital development.
“We’re doubling down on educating women and girls as a tool to break the poverty cycle,” she noted. “But that doesn’t mean we’re shutting out fresh, innovative ideas.”
Her pitch? A renewed emphasis on technical and vocational education, ensuring young Nigerians are equipped with job-ready skills. The government also plans to integrate mechanized farming into agricultural universities and expand technical curricula to include renewable energy and compressed natural gas (CNG), positioning the youth for lucrative careers in emerging industries.
This article was updated 4 days ago
