The Federal Government will meet with the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) and the All Nigeria Confederation of Principals of Secondary Schools (ANCOPPS) on Wednesday to discuss the proposed 12-year basic education plan by the Minister of Education, Mr. Tunji Alausa.
The proposal seeks to combine junior and senior secondary education into a continuous programme. However, it has triggered mixed reactions from education stakeholders, with calls for careful consideration before any decision is made.
In an exclusive interview, ANCOPPS President, Mr. Musa Ibrahim, explained that while the Minister presented the idea, it has not yet been made into law. “The minister has made a proposal, but it’s not a law yet. He has simply suggested it, and we haven’t had the chance to discuss it thoroughly. We’re not backing or rejecting this policy change just yet. What we need to do is look at the blueprint, whether it’s 12 years, nine years, or 10 years—it all depends,” Ibrahim said.
He further revealed that the meeting in Abuja would provide an opportunity for deeper deliberations. “We’re heading to Abuja on Wednesday for a meeting, and once we’ve had our discussions, I’ll be sure to brief you on the outcome,” he added.
Similarly, Mr. Audu Amber, National President of the Nigeria Union of Teachers, emphasized the importance of further evaluation before making any definitive comments. “Thank God you said it’s a proposal. Since the day before yesterday, I’ve not been talking because all the media houses, both print and broadcast, have been calling me for our comment. I don’t want to comment now because until I get the full picture and intentions of the government, I can’t speak on it,” Amber said. He added that the issue needed careful analysis due to its national significance. “This is a national issue, and before one should make a comment, one should be able to analyse it. By tomorrow, I’ll be in the office. We will put our heads together, and then I’ll have the opportunity to make comments,” Amber noted.
On the other hand, Haruna Danjuma, National Chairman of the Parent-Teacher Association, expressed his support for the proposal. He described it as a potential solution to reduce student dropout rates and improve skill acquisition among students. “The addition of putting together junior and senior school of three years each, forming a nine-year program of basic education, is a good move. Once you start JS1, you continue until you complete SS3, and at the end, you will obtain a certificate for 12 years of basic education,” Danjuma said.
Danjuma further explained that this approach would eliminate examination barriers between junior and senior secondary school, ensuring a smooth transition for students. “There will be no examination in between. So, once you start, you continue until you complete SS3, and you will receive a 12-year certificate of basic education. The idea here is that there is no break in the transition, which even saves some students from dropping out,” he added.
He also pointed out that the proposed curriculum would integrate vocational skills from primary four onward, equipping students with practical skills for both higher education and career paths. “In basic education, it’s expected that students will start learning practical skills, either in electricity or computer education, from class four onward. This will give our children more attention to learning, enabling them to pass their SS3 exams and qualify to sit for JAMB or WAEC,” Danjuma stated.
