By Mary Onyia
The minister of education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, is still engaged in discussions over the newly proposed education model for Nigerian students. The federal government has scheduled a meeting on Wednesday in Abuja with key stakeholders, comprising the Nigeria Union of Teachers and the Nigeria Confederation of Principals of Secondary Schools.
The minister seeks to introduce a 12-year straight basic education for primary and secondary schools alongside four years of tertiary education as against the current structure of nine years of basic education, three years of senior secondary, and four years of tertiary education.
Dr Alausa emphasised that the new structure is aimed at integrating junior and senior secondary education into a single continuous programme. While some stakeholders have expressed support for the programme others have raised some concerns prompting the meeting.
The National Chairman of the Parent-Teacher Association, Haruna Danjuma, reportedly expressed support for the proposal, describing it as a potential solution to reducing school drop out rates and enhancing skill acquisition among learners.
He noted that the proposed structure would eliminate examination barriers between junior and senior secondary school, ensuring a seamless transition for students.
“There will be no examination in between. So, once you start, you continue until you complete SS3, and you will receive a 12-year certificate of basic education. The idea here is that there is no break in the transition, which even saves some students from dropping out,” he explained.
Additionally, Danjuma highlighted the advantages of incorporating vocational skills into the curriculum starting from Primary Four, which would better prepare students for both higher education and practical career paths.
The National President of ANCOPPS reportedly quipped that discussion expectedly will analyse all the issues and come up with what the majority consider the best system of education for Nigerian students.