The Nigerian government has proposed a transition of a 12-year basic education model to replace the country’s current 6-3-3-4 school system .
Nigeria’s Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, made the statement on Thursday, 6th of February, during the 2025 extraordinary meeting of the National Council on Education (NCE) in Abuja.
The meeting brought together education commissioners from all 36 states and the FCT, as well as representatives from MDAs and development partners.
The minister explained that replacing the existing 6-3-3-4 system with a 12-4 model would modernize Nigeria’s education system, aligning it with international standards. Under the current system, children start school at age six and spend six years each in primary and secondary education, finishing at the age of 18.
The minister further stated that the government is seeking approval from the NCE to set the minimum entry age for tertiary institutions at 16. He emphasized that integrating secondary schools into the basic education system would provide continuous learning until students reach 16, ensuring a more stable educational path.
What does the 12-year education system mean?
LN247 spoke to an educationist, Adejumoke Falana on the matter and she gave a comprehensive overview of what the new educational system if approved will mean.
According to her “simply put, every child in Nigeria would receive 12 uninterrupted years of basic education, comprising six years of primary education and six years of secondary education. Presently, basic education in Nigeria requires children to complete six years in primary school and three years in Junior Secondary School (JSS), after which they may choose to stop schooling, engage in a craft or further their education at the Senior Secondary School (SSS) level.
Many countries have adopted similar 12-year education systems with slight variations”, she said.
Adejumoke highlighted that there are numerous advantages of this new system but like most things, the disadvantages also.
“One of the advantages of this would be streamlined education process in the sense that since the model is 12 years uninterrupted, students might receive a more comprehensive and structured learning experience.”
“Students will have more time to progress through levels of cognitive complexity as outlined in Bloom’s Taxonomy, from remembering to creating. This will empower them to develop innovative solutions and ultimately propel our country towards sustainable economic development and global competitiveness.”
“More teachers will be needed to teach higher-level classes and since they will require training and skill development to enhance their capacities, more competent teachers will be available.”
“The new system will align Nigeria’s education with global standards”.
“Technical Education in Higher Institutions:*
Students will have received a relatively more solid education than it is presently done before pursuing specialized studies. This will help them make informed decisions and compete with their peers worldwide”.
She proceeded to stating the potential drawbacks of this 12year educational system.
“Some parents may not be able to afford 12 years of uninterrupted education and this may potentially increase dropout rates and negatively impact the economy.”
“Additional funding will be required to support the extended education period since relatively more students will have to get up to the 12th year”.
“Teachers will need effective training and support to teach higher-level classes; otherwise, students may receive poor instruction”.
“Raising awareness and explaining the new system to stakeholders is crucial and can be overwhelming”.
“The bodies responsible for the present Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) and national exams like WAEC (West African Examinations Council) and NECO (National Examinations Council) might need restructuring to accommodate the changes which could take time”.
She concluded that while the 12-year basic education model offers numerous benefits, it is essential to carefully analyze the implications and challenges associated with its implementation.
The Federal Government must weigh these factors carefully to ensure a smooth transition, she said.
How can this impact or affect a Nigerian child learning abilities
LN247 spoke to a psychologist, Mojisola Akinyemi on the matter and she gave a comprehensive overview of how the proposed educational system can impact or affect a Nigerian child learning abilities
According to Mojisola, the proposed 12-year education system could have a significant impact on Nigerian children’s learning abilities, both positively and negatively.
One of the most notable benefits is the potential for a more structured and continuous learning process. With a longer and uninterrupted educational journey, students are likely to experience improved cognitive development. The extended years of education could enhance their problem-solving abilities, critical thinking skills, and creativity. By progressing through a well-defined curriculum that spans 12 years, students will have more time to grasp complex subjects and apply their knowledge effectively.
However, there are potential drawbacks that could hinder learning abilities. Some parents may struggle to afford the extended schooling period, leading to increased absenteeism or dropouts despite government mandates. If the necessary infrastructure and resources are not adequately provided, overcrowded classrooms and insufficient learning materials may negatively impact students’ ability to absorb knowledge effectively.
Mojisola also highlighted that prolonged exposure to the same learning environment without significant transitions may lead to mental fatigue and decreased motivation among students. Being in the same classroom structure for an extended period might cause stagnation in creativity and enthusiasm, making learning feel monotonous. To counteract this, a dynamic and engaging curriculum, incorporating interactive and hands-on learning experiences, will be essential to keep students mentally stimulated and motivated.
Moreover, she emphasized that the need for additional well-trained teachers to handle the higher-level curriculum is critical. Without properly trained educators, students may not receive the quality instruction required to maximize their learning potential. If the transition is not well-implemented, there could be inconsistencies in curriculum delivery, which may confuse students and affect their overall academic performance.
While the proposed 12-year education system presents a promising opportunity for Nigeria’s educational sector, its success will depend on effective implementation. Psychologists advocate for adequate funding, teacher training, and infrastructure development to accompany the transition. Parents and stakeholders must also be adequately informed and supported to make the system work.
If executed properly, this model has the potential to enhance students’ cognitive abilities, align Nigeria with global education standards, and produce a more competent and skilled workforce for the future. However, careful consideration must be given to ensuring that the prolonged learning period does not negatively impact students’ mental engagement and motivation, necessitating innovative and adaptable teaching methods to maintain enthusiasm for learning.
