Federal Government Unveils Groundbreaking 12-4 Education Structure to Replace 6-3-3-4 System

Federal Government Unveils Groundbreaking 12-4 Education Structure to Replace 6-3-3-4 System

Abuja, Nigeria – The Federal Government has announced a monumental shift in Nigeria's education system, replacing the decades-old 6-3-3-4 framework with a pioneering 12-4 model. This transformative change, revealed during the extraordinary National Council on Education (NCE) meeting in Abuja, aims to revolutionize the country's educational landscape.

Transition to the 12-4 Model

The new 12-4 system will see students undergo 12 years of uninterrupted basic education before proceeding to four years of tertiary education. This shift is designed to align Nigeria's education system with global standards, ensuring that students receive a continuous and comprehensive education up to the age of 16.

Rationale Behind the Change

Dr. Tunji Alausa, the Minister of Education, elaborated on the reasoning behind the reform. By eliminating the current divisions of Junior Secondary School (JSS) and Senior Secondary School (SSS), the government aims to reduce dropout rates and provide students with a seamless educational experience. The new structure will also emphasize early exposure to vocational and entrepreneurial skills, better preparing students for both higher education and the workforce.

Economic and Social Benefits

The introduction of the 12-4 model is expected to yield significant economic and social benefits. An extended basic education period aims to produce well-rounded, educated youths who can contribute meaningfully to national development. This reform seeks to address issues such as child labor and other social vices associated with early school dropouts.

Implementation and Policy Reforms

To ensure a smooth transition to the new system, the Federal Government has outlined a series of implementation strategies:

Policy Reforms: Revising existing policies to support the new structure.

Infrastructure Expansion: Building and upgrading educational facilities to accommodate extended basic education.

Teacher Training and Recruitment: Enhancing teacher training programs and recruiting additional qualified educators.

Funding and Partnerships: Securing funding and fostering partnerships with private sector stakeholders.

Curriculum Enhancement: Updating the curriculum to focus on skill development and practical knowledge.

Approval and Minimum Entry Age

The National Council on Education is also expected to approve the minimum entry age of 16 for tertiary institutions. This ensures that students complete the full 12-year basic education program before advancing to higher education.

The Federal Government's bold decision has garnered mixed reactions from the public and educational experts. While some laud the move as a necessary step to improve Nigeria's education system, others express concerns about the implementation challenges and the readiness of educational institutions to adopt the new structure.

Civil society organizations, such as Yiaga Africa, have called for rigorous vetting processes for INEC appointments to ensure competent individuals are selected to oversee the implementation of the new education model.

The transition to the 12-4 education system marks a significant milestone in Nigeria's quest for educational excellence. By providing uninterrupted learning and early skill development, the new structure promises to equip students with the knowledge and skills needed for a successful future. As the nation embarks on this transformative journey, the eyes of the world are on Nigeria, anticipating a brighter and more competitive future for its youth.