Fed govt advocates shift to 12-year basic education model

According to Dr. Tunji Alausa, Nigeria's minister of education, the federal government is thinking of switching to a 12-year basic education program.

The suggestion will be discussed in the current Extraordinary National Council on Education, which is the top policy-making body meeting in Abuja, the minister added.

Nine years of basic education, three years of senior secondary education, and four years of university education make up Nigeria's present 9-3-4 educational system.

However, Alausa noted that the adoption of a national bullying policy and the implementation of a 12-year basic education system in Nigeria's educational framework are two of the concerns influencing the calling of the exceptional National Council of Education meeting.

"It is crucial 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,” Alausa explained.

He added: “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 standardization and fostering quality assurance in the education system.

“It will also guarantee that students receive a more comprehensive and continuous learning experience, improve educational outcomes, and contribute to a more educated populace that drives Nigeria’s economic development.

“A second key agenda to be discussed today at the extraordinary meeting is the conversion of federal science and technical colleges into federal technical colleges.”
The 16-year policy on admission to higher institutions, which is to be integrated into the national strategy on education, would be discussed by the Council, he added.

"I'm sure many of you have heard about the difficulties we face as a country, with bright, talented students being denied the opportunity to pursue higher education," the minister stated. Standardising the education of highly functional, exceptionally brilliant students is essential in any community.

After completing secondary school at the age of sixteen, we are now prohibiting these pupils from enrolling in college until they are eighteen. Their prospects are harmed and their development is delayed. These pupils are courageous and capable. We run the danger of making mental health problems worse if we let them sit around.

Concerning the conversion of federal science and technical colleges to federal technical colleges, the Minister emphasised that technical education, which imparts practical and applied skills alongside basic scientific knowledge, is crucial for addressing the current skills gap in the labour market.

“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,” he stated.

Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suwaiba Said Ahmad said to cope with the emerging issues in the education sector, the present administration’s focus was on implementing existing education policies rather than introducing new ones, to improve quality, equity and human capital development, especially through the education of women and girls, viewing it as a powerful means to break the cycle of poverty.

“However, new and relevant ideas must be injected into the system to reshape the education system, emphasising technical and vocational education training to empower young men and women to be self-sufficient and valuable contributors to the nation.

“Accordingly, this administration will also focus on preparing students with skills relevant to the job market, and enabling mechanised farming at Universities of Agriculture to help address food insecurity.
"The TVET curriculum, which incorporates Renewable (Solar) and Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) in addition to trade and entrepreneurship, will be able to give teeming young citizens an opportunity to be technicians and entrepreneurs in these areas of future significant economic activities," she continued.