By Mary Onyia
The Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, has proposed a fresh change in the education model, a 12-year basic education, to ensure a continuous uninterrupted curriculum rather than the 9-3-4 system in operation currently.
Speaking on Thursday, at the 2025 Extraordinary National Council of Education, a meeting of the highest policymaking body, held in Abuja, the minister, gave reasons why he is proposing the transition from the current model.
He said: “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 standardization and fostering quality assurance in the education system.
“It will also guarantee that students receive a more comprehensive and continuous learning experience, improve educational outcomes, and contribute to a more educated populace that drives Nigeria’s economic development.
“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.
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.
Also on the front burner was the 16-year policy on admission into tertiary institutions, which the minister said would be incorporated into the national policy on education, after extensive discussion.
“I am sure many of you have heard about the challenges we face as a nation with talented, bright students being disenfranchised from pursuing tertiary education. In any society, it is crucial to standardize the education of highly functional and exceptionally gifted students.
“We are now preventing these students, after finishing secondary education at the age of 16, from attending university until they are 18. This delays their development and harms their futures. These students are capable and brave. If we leave them idle, we risk exacerbating mental health issues,” he said.
Recall that 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.
Tunji Alausa is the 36th minister of education in Nigeria. His appointment as the minister of education by the President Tinubu administration raised hopes that the president recognised the rot in the education system and was taking urgent steps to revitalise system.
Dr. Alausa comes into his current position with lots of experience, having worked in the university system on three continents. His appointment brings new hope for reform in the education sector.
For decades, Nigeria’s education sector has grappled with systemic failures that affect all levels of schooling. In primary education, over 10.5 million Nigerian children are out of school, representing the highest rate globally for out-of-school children. The majority are in the northern regions affected by poverty and conflict.