The Federal Ministry of Education has dismissed claims that Junior Secondary School (JSS) and Senior Secondary School (SSS) have been scrapped, clarifying that the Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, only proposed the introduction of a 12-year basic education system.
In a statement issued on Friday by the Director of Press, Folasade Boriowo, the ministry emphasized that no immediate policy change had been made. It explained that the proposal would undergo thorough review by the National Council on Education before any decision is finalized.
“At the Extraordinary National Council on Education Meeting held on February 6, 2025, in Abuja, the Honourable Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Olatunji Alausa, presented a proposal for discussion—not an immediate policy change. The proposal aims to transition to 12 years of compulsory education while maintaining the existing 6-3-3 structure,” the statement read.
A major component of the proposal is the removal of external examinations between JSS and SSS, allowing students to progress without assessment barriers at that stage. However, the ministry noted that this remains subject to further consultation.
To ensure an informed decision, extensive stakeholder engagements will be conducted over the next eight months, involving education policymakers, state governments, teachers, parents, and other key players. A final decision will be made at the National Council on Education meeting in October 2025.
The ministry urged the public to disregard misleading reports, reaffirming the Federal Government’s commitment to policies that promote access to quality education in line with global best practices.
