In a significant policy shift, the Federal Government is advocating a transition from Nigeria’s longstanding 6-3-3-4 education system to a 12-4 model, aiming to enhance learning continuity, global competitiveness, and skill acquisition.
The Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, made this revelation, stating that the proposal would be deliberated at the extraordinary National Council on Education (NCE) meeting in Abuja, the country’s highest policymaking body on education.
Nigeria’s 6-3-3-4 system, which comprises six years of primary education, three years of junior secondary, three years of senior secondary, and four years of tertiary education, has long been the standard. However, Alausa noted that while it has merits, it also presents critical challenges, including disruptions in learning, skill gaps, and students being forced to work prematurely to further their education.
> “A 12-year uninterrupted basic education model will ensure a continuous curriculum, promote standardization, and enhance quality assurance, ensuring students are better prepared for tertiary education and the job market,” Alausa stated.
He further emphasized that the policy would align Nigeria with global best practices, ensuring that students receive a more holistic and structured education.
Addressing Challenges Faced by Gifted Students
Alausa also highlighted a significant flaw in the current system that affects exceptionally talented students.
> “Right now, bright students who finish secondary school at 16 years old are barred from entering university until they turn 18. This delay stifles their potential and leaves them idle, increasing the risk of mental health issues.”
By restructuring the education model, the government seeks to provide a clear pathway for gifted students, ensuring they advance based on competence rather than age restrictions.
In addition to the new education model, the government is pushing for the conversion of federal science and technical colleges into federal technical colleges, emphasizing technical and vocational education (TVET) as a cornerstone of national development.
Alausa stressed that practical skills and technical expertise are critical to bridging the skills gap in the labor market.
> “Technical education allows a nation to maximize its human and natural resources. By equipping young Nigerians with practical, hands-on skills, we can drive industrial progress and economic self-sufficiency.”
Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suwaiba Said Ahmad, underscored President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to strengthening existing education policies rather than constantly introducing new ones.
She emphasized that a key priority of this administration is the education of women and girls, viewing it as a powerful tool to break the cycle of poverty.
> “While implementing existing policies remains our focus, we must also integrate new and relevant ideas to reshape the education sector,” she stated.
She highlighted the government’s plan to enhance technical and vocational training to empower youth for self-sufficiency, adding that universities of agriculture would incorporate mechanized farming to tackle food insecurity.
Moreover, the government aims to expand the TVET curriculum to include renewable energy (solar) and Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) training, ensuring young Nigerians gain the skills needed to excel in future economic sectors.
The proposed 12-4 education system signals a bold transformation in Nigeria’s education landscape. If implemented, it could lead to better educational outcomes, increased employability, and a more competitive workforce. However, the policy’s success will depend on effective implementation, stakeholder engagement, and infrastructure investment to support the transition.
As the extraordinary NCE meeting approaches, all eyes will be on the Federal Government to see how this ambitious proposal unfolds.
PIONEER NEWS 