The Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, has proposed a shift from Nigeria’s current 9-3-4 education system to a 12-4 model. He made this announcement on Thursday during the 2025 Extraordinary National Council of Education meeting in Abuja.
Dr. Alausa stated that the 12-year basic education system would align Nigeria with global standards, ensuring a more continuous and standardized curriculum. He explained that this change would improve learning outcomes, provide students with a stronger educational foundation, and contribute to national development.
Another key issue discussed at the meeting was the plan to convert federal science and technical colleges into federal technical colleges. The minister emphasized that technical education is essential for closing the skills gap in the labor market, as it combines practical training with scientific knowledge.
Dr. Alausa also addressed concerns about the current policy preventing students under 18 from entering tertiary institutions. He noted that exceptionally gifted students who complete secondary school at 16 should not be forced to wait two years before starting university, as this delay could negatively impact their development and mental health.
The meeting also focused on introducing a national policy on bullying and reviewing key aspects of Nigeria’s education framework.