The Federal Government is set to hold discussions with the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) and the All Nigeria Confederation of Principals of Secondary Schools (ANCOPSS) on Wednesday regarding a proposal by the Minister of Education, Mr. Tunji Alausa, to extend basic education to 12 years.
The proposal, which seeks to integrate junior and senior secondary education into a continuous program, has drawn mixed reactions from education stakeholders, prompting calls for careful deliberation before any decision is finalized.
Speaking on the matter, ANCOPSS National President, Mr. Musa Ibrahim, clarified that the proposal remains a suggestion and has not yet been enacted into law.
“The minister has proposed the idea, but it is not yet law. We have not fully discussed it, nor have we taken a position on whether to support or oppose it. What matters is understanding the blueprint, whether it involves 12, nine, or 10 years of education,” Ibrahim stated.
He further noted that the scheduled meeting in Abuja would provide an opportunity for a more in-depth discussion on the proposal.
Similarly, the NUT National President, Mr. Audu Amber, emphasized the need for further analysis before making any official statement.
“I have been receiving calls from various media outlets regarding this issue, but I will not comment until I have the full details of the government’s intentions. This is a national issue that requires careful evaluation before making any remarks,” he said.
Meanwhile, the National Chairman of the Parent-Teacher Association (PTA), Haruna Danjuma, expressed support for the initiative, stating that it could help reduce dropout rates and enhance skill acquisition among students.
He explained that merging junior and senior secondary education into a seamless nine-year program would eliminate transitional examinations and ensure continuity in learning.
“There will be no examinations in between, which means students will progress smoothly from JS1 to SS3, ultimately receiving a 12-year certificate of basic education. This structure will reduce dropouts and enhance learning,” Danjuma noted.
He also highlighted that the curriculum would integrate vocational training from primary four, equipping students with practical skills in areas such as electricity and computer education.
“With vocational skills introduced early, students will be better prepared for both higher education and the job market,” he added.
The upcoming meeting is expected to provide more clarity on the proposal and its potential impact on Nigeria’s education system.
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