The Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, has proposed a shift from Nigeria’s current 9-3-4 education system to a 12-4 model, which would extend basic education from nine years to twelve years. Alausa made this proposal on Thursday in Abuja during the 2025 Extraordinary National Council of Education meeting, Nigeria’s highest education policy-making body.
The transition from the 9-3-4 to the 12-4 model aims to align Nigeria’s education framework with global standards, improve student preparation for tertiary education, and ensure a continuous and standardized curriculum. The extended basic education period would help reduce dropout rates and promote better learning outcomes.
As part of the reforms, the government also plans to convert federal science and technical colleges into federal technical colleges to address skills gaps in Nigeria’s labor market. The minister emphasized that enhancing technical education would contribute to national development by fostering industrial and economic growth.
The council is also reviewing the policy that requires students to be at least 16 years old before entering a university. Alausa argued that delaying exceptionally gifted students from entering tertiary institutions until they turn 18 could negatively impact their future and mental well-being. He stressed that highly capable students should not be hindered from advancing their education early.
The Minister emphasized that these reforms are intended to improve the quality of education, enhance technical skills, and drive economic progress in Nigeria.
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