Dr. Tunji Alausa, the Minister of Education, has suggested switching to a 12-year basic education program.
At Thursday’s 2025 Extraordinary National Council of Education meeting in Abuja, Nigeria, Tunji made the recommendation.
The council is Nigeria’s highest education policy-making organisation.
The present 9-3-4 system in Nigeria is comprised of four years of university education, three years of senior secondary education, and nine years of basic education.
Tunji noted that the adoption of a national strategy on bullying and the implementation of a 12-year basic education system in Nigeria’s educational framework are two of the concerns driving the calling of the emergency National Council of Education meeting.
“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 to further their education.
“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.
“A 12-year basic education model will ensure a continuous, uninterrupted curriculum, promoting better standardisation and fostering quality assurance in the education system.
“The provision of technical education allows a nation’s human and natural resources to be harnessed more effectively.
“Therefore, technical education contributes significantly to national development, driving cultural and industrial progress.
“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.
“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. These students are capable and brave. If we leave them idle, we risk exacerbating mental health issues,” he added.