Federal Government Moves to Reform Education System

The Federal Government has proposed a new education model, aiming to replace the existing 6-3-3-4 system with a 12-year continuous basic education model. This move is intended to reduce school dropouts and improve access to secondary education.

Education Minister, Dr. Tunji Alausa, announced this plan during the inauguration of the UBEC Ministerial Implementation and Monitoring Committee in Abuja. According to Dr. Alausa, the current education structure has failed to achieve its intended goals, with over 20 million pupils dropping out before reaching the senior secondary level.

Key Issues with the Current System

• Shortage of junior secondary schools across the country
• Major imbalance between primary and junior secondary schools, with about 80,000 public primary schools and only about 15,000 junior secondary schools
• Overcrowding and limited access to education due to this imbalance

The Proposed Reform

The proposal to adopt a 12-year continuous basic education model will be presented at the next meeting of the National Council on Education for consideration. This reform is designed to improve transition rates, expand access to education, and ensure more children remain in school through the secondary level.

Implementation and Monitoring

At the event, Dr. Alausa also inaugurated a committee led by Prof. Rashid Aderinoye to oversee the completion and operation of UBEC-funded Smart Schools, Bilingual Schools, and Alternative Schools across the country. The minister expressed concern that many of the schools built with public funds are yet to be completed or opened for learning, stressing the need to ensure such projects are fully operational and accessible to students.

Expected Outcomes

The Federal Government believes the proposed reforms will help address the country's out-of-school children crisis and strengthen the overall basic education system.