Emmanuel OchayiThe Federal Government of Nigeria has unveiled a new Basic Education Model, mandating 12 years of continuous education for all children before they proceed to higher education. This reform replaces the existing 6-3-3-4 system with a 12-4 structure, effectively integrating junior and senior secondary education into a unified basic education framework.
Announcing the policy during the 2025 extraordinary National Council on Education meeting in Abuja, Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, stated; “By subsuming secondary education into basic education, students will benefit from uninterrupted learning up to the age of 16. This will also reduce dropout rates by eliminating financial and systemic barriers that currently prevent students from completing secondary education.”
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The new Basic Education Model aims to ensure a standardised curriculum across Nigeria, providing uniform learning experiences for students nationwide. Minister Alausa emphasised that this approach will facilitate early exposure to vocational and entrepreneurial skills, preparing students for both higher education and employment.
He noted, “Extending basic education to 12 years will ensure a standardised curriculum that is uniformly implemented across the nation. This will also facilitate early exposure to vocational and entrepreneurial skills, preparing students for both higher education and employment.”
Alignment with International Standards
By adopting the 12-year Basic Education Model, Nigeria aligns its education system with international standards observed in many developed nations. This alignment is expected to foster better educational outcomes and enhance the global competitiveness of Nigerian students.
Minister Alausa highlighted, “Many developed nations have implemented similar systems where basic education spans 12 years, ensuring that students acquire foundational knowledge before specialising at tertiary levels. This reform also aligns Nigeria’s education system with international standards, fostering better educational outcomes and global competitiveness.”
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Socio-Economic Benefits
The implementation of the 12-year Basic Education Model is anticipated to yield significant socio-economic benefits. Prolonged compulsory education is expected to better equip students with relevant skills for the workforce, thereby reducing instances of child labour and other social issues stemming from early school dropouts.
Minister Alausa stated, “When students receive an extended period of compulsory education, they are better equipped to join the workforce with relevant skills. This reform will also reduce child labour and other social vices resulting from premature school dropouts.”
Implementation Strategies
To successfully integrate secondary education into the basic education framework, the government has outlined several implementation strategies:
- Policy Reforms: Updating existing educational policies to reflect the new 12-year Basic Education Model.
- Infrastructure Expansion: Building and upgrading educational facilities to accommodate the increased number of students.
- Teacher Training and Recruitment: Enhancing teacher training programmes and recruiting additional qualified educators to meet the demands of the expanded system.
- Funding and Partnerships: Securing adequate funding and establishing partnerships with stakeholders to support the implementation process.
- Curriculum Enhancement: Developing and implementing a comprehensive curriculum that emphasises both academic and vocational skills.
The government is committed to ensuring a smooth transition to the new Basic Education Model, with a focus on providing quality education and reducing dropout rates across the country.
Looking Ahead
As Nigeria embarks on this significant educational reform, the emphasis on a 12-year Basic Education Model underscores the nation’s dedication to improving educational standards and outcomes. By providing uninterrupted learning opportunities and aligning with global practices, Nigeria aims to equip its youth with the necessary skills and knowledge to thrive in an increasingly competitive world.
The successful implementation of this model will require collaborative efforts from government agencies, educators, parents, and the broader community to ensure that every Nigerian child has access to quality education up to the age of 16.
In conclusion, the introduction of the 12-year Basic Education Model marks a pivotal step in Nigeria’s educational journey, promising a brighter future for its younger generations.
Emmanuel Ochayi is a journalist. He is a graduate of the University of Lagos, School of first choice and the nations pride. Emmanuel is keen on exploring writing angles in different areas, including Business, climate change, politics, Education, and others.
