FG has announced a 12-year basic education model; the JSS-SSS split is to be phased out.
- The 6-3-3-4 structure has been set for replacement.
- UBEC smart, bilingual and alternative schools are part of the plan.
- 37 Smart Schools are established, 24 are operational.
- 30 Bilingual Schools are under way across nine states.
- A ministerial committee is to monitor schools, teachers and enrolment.
Read on for the policy details, school figures and committee mandate.
The Federal Government has announced a major reform of Nigeria’s education system, with the separation between Junior Secondary School and Senior Secondary School set to be phased out under a compulsory 12-year uninterrupted basic education model.
The move forms part of wider reforms linked to basic education access, digital learning, bilingual education and alternative learning routes for children who are out of school or from underserved groups.
What has the Federal Government announced?
The Federal Government has announced that the current separation between Junior Secondary School and Senior Secondary School will be phased out, while the 6-3-3-4 structure will be replaced with a compulsory 12-year uninterrupted basic education model.
The policy is aimed at reducing barriers that affect learner progression.
Under the proposed direction, basic education will be treated as a continuous 12-year path, rather than a structure where learners move through a sharp break between JSS and SSS; this is expected to support access, retention and learning outcomes across the country.
The Minister of Education, Dr Maruf Tunji Alausa, CON, also disclosed that the planned phase-out of the JSS-SSS disarticulation policy will be presented at the next National Council on Education.
Why is the JSS-SSS separation being phased out?
The Federal Government linked the disarticulation policy to problems affecting school planning and learner progression across parts of the education system.
The policy has been associated with:
- Overcrowded junior secondary schools
- Underused senior secondary facilities
- Increased school dropout rates
Dr Alausa stated that the planned phase-out is part of broader reforms to expand access and improve learning outcomes nationwide.
The issue is practical, because a school system that has crowded JSS classrooms and unused SSS facilities creates pressure on learners, teachers and state education planners.
What committee has the Federal Government inaugurated?
The Federal Government has inaugurated the Universal Basic Education Commission ministerial committee for Smart Schools, Bilingual Schools and Alternative Schools.
The committee is expected to monitor the roll-out of these schools and support the move from funded projects to fully operational learning centres.
Dr Alausa stated during the inauguration in Abuja that the committee’s performance will be assessed by the number of schools that become fully operational and actively educate children.
That means the focus is on working schools, not projects that remain incomplete.
What are Smart Schools, Bilingual Schools and Alternative Schools?
The three school models have different roles under the Federal Government’s basic education plan.
What are Smart Schools?
Smart Schools are designed to equip learners with digital skills for the modern economy.
The programme is part of the Federal Government’s plan to make basic education more responsive to current learning needs, especially for children who require stronger digital exposure at school level.
What are Bilingual Schools?
Bilingual Schools are aimed at promoting linguistic inclusion, improved learning outcomes and national integration.
The programme is also linked to the UBEC-Islamic Development Bank partnership, with 30 Bilingual Schools being carried out across nine participating states.
What are Alternative Schools?
Alternative Schools are meant to expand access to quality education for vulnerable and underserved groups, particularly girls and out-of-school children.
The programme uses flexible and inclusive learning models to support children who may not fit easily into the regular school pathway.
How many UBEC schools are already involved?
The Executive Secretary of UBEC, Hajiya Aisha Garba, gave figures on the current state of the programmes.
According to her:
- 37 Smart Schools have been established nationwide.
- 24 of the Smart Schools are already operational.
- 30 Bilingual Schools are being carried out across nine participating states.
- The Bilingual Schools are under the UBEC-Islamic Development Bank partnership.
- The Alternative Schools Programme continues to expand learning opportunities for out-of-school children.
These figures show that part of the work has already moved beyond planning, although the Minister expressed concern that many UBEC-funded projects remain incomplete or have yet to begin academic activities.
What will the committee be expected to do?
Dr Alausa directed the committee to work closely with UBEC, State Governments, State Universal Basic Education Boards and other stakeholders.
The committee is expected to support:
- Timely completion of school projects
- Provision of furniture
- Provision of essential utilities
- Deployment of teachers
- Enrolment of learners
- Full operation of every school
The Minister made it clear that the government’s investment in basic education must be linked to measurable outcomes, especially schools that are open, staffed and educating children.
Who spoke at the inauguration?
Dr Maruf Tunji Alausa, CON, inaugurated the committee in Abuja and stated that education remains a strategic national priority under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR.
He also stressed that every intervention must lead to measurable outcomes.
Speaking on behalf of the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Education, Mr Abel Olumuyiwa Enitan, the Director of Basic Education, Dr Folake Davis, commended the Minister’s leadership and reaffirmed the Ministry’s support for the committee’s work.
She also appreciated UBEC, development partners, State Governments and other stakeholders for their continued collaboration in advancing quality, inclusive and future-ready basic education across Nigeria.
What did UBEC say about the committee?
Hajiya Aisha Garba, the Executive Secretary of UBEC, described the committee as a mechanism for strengthening delivery, accountability and sustainability.
She said the Smart Schools, Bilingual Schools and Alternative Schools are part of efforts to ensure that investments in basic education produce schools that work for Nigerian children.
Her remarks placed attention on a simple test for success: schools should be completed, equipped, staffed and open to learners.
What did the committee chairman promise?
Professor Rashid Adewumi Aderinoye, Chairman of the committee, responded on behalf of the members.
He expressed appreciation for the confidence placed in the committee and pledged that members would carry out their responsibilities with integrity, professionalism and transparency.
He also assured that the committee would work with all stakeholders to ensure that government investments lead to sustainable and fully functional schools that improve learning outcomes for Nigerian children.
What should parents, learners and education stakeholders expect?
Parents, learners, school managers and education stakeholders should expect further policy steps after the matter is presented at the next National Council on Education.
For now, the key point is clear: the Federal Government has announced a move away from the JSS-SSS separation and toward a compulsory 12-year uninterrupted basic education model.
Schools under UBEC-funded programmes will also be expected to move from project status to full academic activity.