The Federal Government has announced the end of the 6-3-3-4 education system and its replacement with the 12-4 structure.
The new policy was unveiled by the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, during the 2025 National Council on Education (NCE) meeting in Abuja.
According to Alausa, the reform is aligned with global best practices and aims to offer students a consistent learning experience up to the age of 16.
By incorporating secondary education into the basic education framework, the government intends to reduce dropout rates caused by financial and systemic barriers. The policy will also provide students with early exposure to vocational and entrepreneurial skills, preparing them for both higher education and the workforce.
The reform is expected to align Nigeria’s educational system with international standards, promoting better educational outcomes and global competitiveness.
Alausa emphasized the potential social and economic benefits, including reducing child labor and mitigating social vices associated with premature school dropouts. He also highlighted that educated youth are better positioned to contribute to national development.
Implementation strategies include policy reforms, infrastructure expansion, teacher training and recruitment, enhanced funding, and curriculum improvements.
The NCE, consisting of commissioners for education from all states and the Federal Capital Territory, as well as relevant agencies and development partners, is set to oversee the roll-out of this new educational approach.
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