The Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, has refuted media reports claiming that the federal government has abolished Junior Secondary School (JSS) and Senior Secondary School (SSS) in favor of a new 12-year uninterrupted basic education system.
Clarifying his stance, the minister emphasized that these reports were inaccurate and misrepresented his proposal. He explained that he had only suggested transitioning to 12 years of compulsory education while maintaining the current 6-3-3-4 system.
During the 2025 Extraordinary National Council of Education meeting in Abuja on Thursday, Alausa proposed a shift to a 12-year basic education model, arguing that it would be beneficial for Nigeria’s educational framework.
READ ALSO: Minister Advocates 12-4 Educational System
However, some media outlets misinterpreted his suggestion, reporting that the government had already implemented the change by eliminating JSS and SSS.
Speaking to journalists on Friday, the minister dismissed these claims, stressing that he had merely presented a proposal for discussion, not an immediate policy change. He reiterated that the idea was to introduce 12 years of compulsory education while preserving the existing 6-3-3 structure.
Alausa further explained that a significant aspect of the proposal was removing the examination barrier between JSS and SSS, ensuring a smooth transition for students without requiring an external assessment at that stage. He emphasized that this was still under consideration and subject to further consultation and deliberation.
