The Federal Government has announced an end to the 6-3-3-4 education system and the introduction of a compulsory 12-year uninterrupted basic education model to ensure that every Nigerian child completes schooling up to age 16 before proceeding to tertiary education.
The new policy was unveiled on Thursday by the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, during the 2025 extraordinary National Council on Education (NCE) meeting in Abuja.
With this reform, the government aims to extend basic education from nine years to 12 years, ensuring students undergo continuous learning without systemic interruptions.
According to Alausa, integrating secondary education into basic education will benefit students and bring Nigeria’s education structure in line with global best practices.
“Extending basic education to 12 years will ensure a standardized curriculum that is uniformly implemented across the nation,” he said.
“This will also facilitate early exposure to vocational and entrepreneurial skills, preparing students for both higher education and employment.
“Many developed nations have implemented similar systems where basic education spans 12 years, ensuring that students acquire foundational knowledge before specializing at tertiary levels.
“This reform also aligns Nigeria’s education system with international standards, fostering better educational outcomes and global competitiveness.”
As part of the changes, the government has also sought approval from the National Council on Education to establish 16 years as the minimum entry age requirement for Nigerian tertiary institutions.
Alausa explained that extending compulsory education would reduce dropout rates by removing financial and systemic barriers that often force students out of school before completing secondary education.
“The reform will also reduce child labor and other social vices resulting from premature school dropouts,” he said.
The government has outlined implementation strategies to support the new model, including policy reforms, infrastructure expansion, teacher training and recruitment, funding partnerships and curriculum enhancement.
Speaking on the broader economic and social benefits, Alausa stressed that ensuring Nigerian youths receive extended compulsory education will enhance their readiness for the workforce, contribute to national development and position Nigeria more competitively on the global stage.
“When students receive an extended period of compulsory education, they are better equipped to join the workforce with relevant skills,” he stated.
