Nigeria’s Education Minister, Dr. Tunji Alausa, debunked reports claiming that JSS and SSS have been scrapped. He clarified that his proposal for 12 years of compulsory education is under discussion and not an immediate policy change. The current 6-3-3-4 system remains in place, pending further consultations.
Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, has dismissed claims that the federal government has abolished Junior Secondary School (JSS) and Senior Secondary School (SSS) in favor of a 12-year basic education model.
Speaking to the media in Abuja, Alausa clarified that the reports misrepresented his proposal, which merely suggested reforms to enhance Nigeria’s educational system. He emphasized that the current 6-3-3-4 structure remains intact and that his proposal was meant for discussion rather than immediate implementation.
The proposal, presented during the 2025 Extraordinary National Council of Education meeting, aims to introduce 12 years of compulsory education while retaining the existing structure. A major feature of the plan is eliminating the exam barrier between JSS and SSS to allow students to transition seamlessly.
Alausa assured that the Ministry of Education will engage with key stakeholders—including policymakers, state governments, teachers, and parents—over the next eight months before any final decision is made. The outcome will be determined at the National Council on Education meeting in October 2025.
He urged the public to disregard misleading reports, reiterating that the government remains committed to policies that expand access to quality education.
