By Esi-ife Arogundade
The Federal Ministry of Education has responded to recent media headlines suggesting that the federal government had decided to abolish Junior Secondary School (JSS) and Senior Secondary Schools (SSS) in Nigeria.
Officials clarified that the reports were misleading, emphasizing that the changes discussed are still in the proposal stage.
During a statement released on Friday, the Ministry detailed that Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, introduced a vision for a new 12-year basic education system at the recent Extraordinary National Council on Education Meeting held in Abuja on February 6, 2025.
The proposal aims to shift towards a more streamlined educational pathway while preserving the existing 6-3-3 structure. Director of Press at the Ministry, Folasade Boriowo, stated that the discussions cantered around easing the transition for students by removing the examination requirements between Junior and Senior Secondary levels.
“This transition seeks to allow students to progress seamlessly through their education without the barriers of external assessments during that period,” she noted. The Ministry reassured the public that any policy alterations would not occur without thorough stakeholder consultations.
Over the next eight months, the Federal Ministry of Education plans to engage with various groups, including education policymakers, state governments, teachers, and parents, to gather input and feedback on this proposal.
A final decision on the potential reform is expected to be made during the National Council on Education meeting scheduled for October 2025. The Ministry urged the public to disregard false information regarding the scrapping of JSS and SSS, affirming the government’s commitment to enhancing accessible quality education that meets global standards.
With the education system undergoing scrutiny and reforms, stakeholders are encouraged to remain informed as the consultation process develops, shaping the future of education in Nigeria.
