In a move aimed at transforming Nigeria’s education system, the Federal Government has announced plans to replace the existing 9-3-4 education structure with a 12-4 model. The proposal, which seeks to extend basic education from nine years to twelve, was unveiled by the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, during the 2025 Extraordinary National Council of Education (NCE) meeting in Abuja.
The NCE, which serves as the highest policymaking body in the education sector, gathered to deliberate on critical reforms, including the proposed education overhaul and the approval of a national policy on bullying.
Aligning Nigeria with Global Standards
Explaining the rationale behind the proposed transition, Dr. Alausa emphasized the need to align Nigeria’s education system with global best practices. He pointed out that while the 9-3-4 model had been in place for years, it presented challenges that hindered students’ academic progression and preparedness for higher education.
“It is important to acknowledge that while the 9-3-4 system of education has its merits, it also has drawbacks, such as the need for students to work in order to further their education,” Alausa stated. “It is therefore prudent to transition from the 9-3-4 to the 12-4 system of education. By doing so, Nigeria will align with global standards in preparing students for better tertiary education.”
Currently, Nigeria’s 9-3-4 model consists of nine years of basic education (six years of primary and three years of junior secondary), followed by three years of senior secondary education and four years of tertiary studies. The proposed 12-4 system aims to extend basic education to 12 years, ensuring a continuous learning process before students transition to university or vocational training.
Improving Educational Outcomes
Dr. Alausa highlighted the potential benefits of the proposed reform, particularly its role in ensuring a more structured, uninterrupted educational experience for Nigerian students. According to him, the 12-year basic education model would enhance standardization, improve curriculum implementation, and foster quality assurance in schools across the country.
“A 12-year basic education model will ensure a continuous, uninterrupted curriculum, promoting better standardisation and fostering quality assurance in the education system,” he explained. “It will also guarantee that students receive a more comprehensive and continuous learning experience, improve educational outcomes, and contribute to a more educated populace that drives Nigeria’s economic development.”
Education analysts have long argued that inconsistencies in Nigeria’s curriculum and inadequate transition mechanisms between school levels have contributed to poor student performance in national examinations. The proposed model is expected to address these issues by creating a seamless learning experience from the early years to post-secondary education.
The 16-Year Tertiary Admission Rule Under Review
In addition to the proposed restructuring of basic education, Dr. Alausa also raised concerns about the policy requiring students to be at least 16 years old before they can gain admission into tertiary institutions. The policy, aimed at ensuring that students have the necessary maturity for university education, has been criticized for sidelining exceptionally gifted students who complete their secondary education early.
“I am sure many of you have heard about the challenges we face as a nation with talented, bright students being disenfranchised from pursuing tertiary education,” Alausa stated. “In any society, it is crucial to standardise the education of highly functional and exceptionally gifted students. We are now preventing these students, after finishing secondary education at the age of 16, from attending university until they are 18. This delays their development and harms their futures.”
He warned that keeping highly talented students idle for extended periods could have negative psychological and social consequences, including increased mental health struggles and loss of motivation. The minister, therefore, called for a review of the policy to provide flexibility for gifted students while maintaining academic standards for general admission.
Technical Education and Workforce Development
As part of broader educational reforms, the Federal Government also plans to strengthen technical and vocational education by converting existing federal science and technical colleges into full-fledged federal technical colleges. This move, according to Alausa, is aimed at addressing the skills gap in Nigeria’s labor market and ensuring that students receive practical training that aligns with national development needs.
“The provision of technical education allows a nation’s human and natural resources to be harnessed more effectively,” Alausa explained. “Therefore, technical education contributes significantly to national development, driving cultural and industrial progress.”
Nigeria has faced persistent challenges with youth unemployment, with many graduates lacking the skills required by industries. Experts have repeatedly called for a greater emphasis on technical education to bridge the gap between academic learning and job market demands. If implemented effectively, the government’s plan could boost employment rates and create a more competitive workforce.
Reactions and Implementation Challenges
The proposed changes have sparked discussions among education stakeholders, with mixed reactions from parents, teachers, and policymakers. While many have lauded the government’s commitment to improving the education system, concerns have been raised about the feasibility of implementing the new model given the country’s infrastructure and funding challenges.
Professor Ahmed Sule, an education policy expert, welcomed the initiative but warned that successful implementation would require significant investment in school facilities, teacher training, and curriculum development.
“The transition to a 12-year basic education system is a positive step, but we must ensure that schools are well-equipped to handle the additional years,” Sule noted. “If we do not address existing challenges, such as overcrowded classrooms and lack of qualified teachers, we may not achieve the desired outcomes.”
Similarly, some parents expressed concerns over the potential financial burden that an extended education system could place on families. With many households struggling to afford school fees and materials, the government may need to introduce policies that support parents, such as free tuition programs or subsidies for essential learning resources.
