The Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa has proposed a shift to a 12-year basic education model in Nigeria.
Alausa made the proposal on Thursday, in Abuja, at the 2025 Extraordinary National Council of Education meeting, which is the highest education policy-making body in Nigeria.
Nigeria currently operates 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.
“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,” Alausa 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 standardisation and fostering quality assurance in the education system,” Alausa said.
He argued that a 12-year model will also guarantee that students receive a more comprehensive and continuous learning experience.
(The PUNCH)
