The Federal Government’s proposal to transition from the current 9-3-4 education system to a new 12-4 model has sparked mixed reactions among education experts, with some describing the move as premature and others viewing it as a step in the right direction.

The Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, announced the proposed reform at the 2025 Extraordinary National Council of Education meeting in Abuja.

He argued that a 12-year basic education structure would provide a more continuous and comprehensive learning experience, ultimately improving educational outcomes and boosting Nigeria’s economic development.

Under the existing 9-3-4 system, students complete nine years of basic education, three years of senior secondary schooling, and four years of tertiary education. The proposed 12-4 model would extend basic education to 12 years, before proceeding to four years of higher learning.

However, reactions from education stakeholders reveal deep divisions on the proposal’s feasibility.

A retired principal, Mrs. Olufowowe, expressed skepticism, stating that the country is not ready for such a drastic shift.

She highlighted challenges such as poor teacher remuneration and inadequate school funding, which she believes would hinder the successful implementation of the 12-year structure.

“The government is yet to adequately fund schools under the current system. Until more resources are allocated to education, this policy may not succeed,” she said.

Similarly, a former director at the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Mr. Musbau Adewole, acknowledged that while change is necessary, the focus should be on integrating vocational and technology-based skills into the curriculum rather than restructuring the system.

“Our schools should prioritize tech skills and vocational training to prepare students for the modern economy. The world is evolving, and Nigeria’s education system must adapt to these changes rather than just modifying the structure,” he stated.

Another expert, who preferred to remain anonymous, criticized the proposal, calling it a misplaced priority at a time when Nigerians are struggling with basic needs.

“The government should focus on improving existing facilities, paying teachers and lecturers promptly, and ensuring students can access quality education. How many of their children are studying in Nigerian schools? Changing the system now is unnecessary,” he argued.

He also pointed out the economic difficulties many families face, adding, “People are struggling to afford two meals a day, and yet we are discussing a policy that will require more resources. This is just like the unnecessary change of the national anthem—it doesn’t solve pressing issues.”

As debates continue over the feasibility of the 12-4 system, experts agree that Nigeria’s education sector needs reform.

However, whether this proposed shift will bring meaningful improvement or add more strain to an already challenged system remains a key concern.

The Department of Mathematics and Computer Science Education, Enugu State University of Science and Technology, ESUT, is set to hold its maiden public lecture, focusing on the role of raw materials education in sustainable development in contemporary Nigeria.

The lecture, themed “Raw Materials Education and Sustainable Development in Contemporary Nigeria,” is scheduled for Thursday, February 13, 2025, at the Prof. Julius Onah Auditorium, ESUT, Agbani.

Speaking to DAILY GAZETTE, the Head of the Department, Assoc. Prof. Samuel O. Nneji, highlighted the significance of the event, stating that it aims to explore how education on raw materials can drive industrial growth, economic sustainability, and technological advancement in Contemporary Nigeria.

The event will be hosted by the Dean of the Faculty of Education, Prof. Titus Owoh, while the Vice Chancellor of ESUT, Prof. Aloysius Michaels Okolie, will serve as the Chief Host.

The lecture will be held under the distinguished chairmanship of Prof. Augustine A. Uwakwe, Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, Gregory University, Uturu, Abia State.

The maiden public lecture will be delivered by Prof. Nnanyelugo Ike Muonso, Director General of the Raw Materials Research and Development Council, Abuja.

The lecture promises to be an insightful academic discourse, bringing together scholars, researchers, policy makers, and captains of industries to examine the role of education in sourcing and harnessing raw materials for national development.

The Federal Government has called on stakeholders in the National Council on Education (NCE) to approve the reversal of the policy mandating the use of mother tongue as the medium of instruction from Primary One to Six.

Minister of State for Education, Professor Suwaiba Ahmad, made the appeal on Thursday during the 2025 Extraordinary NCE Meeting in Abuja.

She also urged the council to review the national education policy to limit the use of mother tongue to Early Childhood Care Development and Education (ECCDE) and Primary One.

The NCE had previously endorsed the use of indigenous languages for instruction in the first three years of primary education, a move aimed at preserving local languages and strengthening foundational learning.

The Federal Executive Council (FEC) approved this policy in November 2022.

However, Professor Ahmad highlighted several obstacles to its implementation, particularly in urban areas and multilingual communities.

“Inconsistencies in policy execution mean that in many schools, English is used from the start, contradicting the policy,” she said.

“With over 500 languages in Nigeria, selecting a dominant language in diverse communities is challenging. Additionally, there is a shortage of instructional materials and textbooks in many indigenous languages.”

The Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, also addressed the meeting, emphasizing the need to integrate secondary education into basic education, creating a 12-year uninterrupted system.

“By extending basic education to 12 years, students will benefit from continuous learning up to age 16,” he said.

“This will help reduce dropout rates by removing financial and systemic barriers that prevent many students from completing secondary education.”

Dr. Alausa further advocated for converting Federal Science and Technical Colleges (FSTCs) into Federal Technical Colleges (FTCs), aligning education with the demands of a technology-driven economy.

He emphasized that restructuring technical and vocational education (TVET) would help combat youth unemployment by equipping young Nigerians with practical skills.

He also reinforced the government’s push to set 16 years as the minimum age for admission into tertiary institutions, arguing that standardizing entry requirements would improve educational quality.

The meeting brought together education commissioners from the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, alongside heads of agencies, international organizations, and the Deputy Governor of Kano State.

The Federal Government has scrapped the Junior Secondary School (JSS) and Senior Secondary School (SSS) structure in Nigeria, replacing it with a compulsory 12-year uninterrupted basic education model.

This new system will allow students to complete their foundational education before progressing to higher institutions or vocational training.

With this reform, the government is moving away from the current 6-3-3-4 system and adopting a 12-4 structure.

Additionally, it is seeking approval from the National Council on Education (NCE) to set 16 years as the minimum age for entry into tertiary institutions.

The Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, made this announcement on Thursday in Abuja during an extraordinary meeting of the NCE, the country’s highest policy-making body in the education sector.

The meeting was attended by education commissioners from the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, as well as representatives of agencies under the Education Ministry and development partners.

Dr. Alausa explained that merging secondary education into basic education will ensure continuous learning up to age 16, aligning Nigeria’s system with international best practices.

He emphasized that the reform aims to eliminate financial and systemic barriers that often lead to high dropout rates, thereby ensuring that more students complete their education.

“This policy will provide a standardized curriculum nationwide, offering early exposure to vocational and entrepreneurial skills. It will better prepare students for higher education and employment opportunities,” Alausa stated.

He pointed out that many developed countries follow similar models, ensuring that students acquire a solid foundation before specializing at tertiary levels.

According to him, the reform will enhance Nigeria’s global competitiveness and contribute to national development by equipping young people with relevant skills.

To implement the new system successfully, the government plans to focus on policy reforms, expanding infrastructure, training and recruiting teachers, securing funding, fostering partnerships, and enhancing the curriculum.

Alausa also noted that extending compulsory education to 12 years will have significant economic and social benefits, including reducing child labor and other social vices associated with early school dropouts.

Professor Aisha Sani Maikudi has been removed as the Vice Chancellor of the University of Abuja, now officially known as Yakubu Gowon University, just hours after presiding over the institution’s matriculation ceremony.

President Bola Tinubu also dissolved the university’s governing council, led by Air Vice-Marshal Saddiq Ismaila Kaita (Rtd).

The decision was announced in a statement on Thursday by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.

Prof. Maikudi’s short-lived tenure less than six weeks had been marred by controversy.

Last month, 43 professors petitioned President Tinubu, opposing her appointment.

They alleged that the governing council had bypassed university regulations to impose an unqualified candidate on the institution.

In place of Maikudi, the President appointed Professor Lar Patricia Manko as Acting Vice Chancellor for a six-month term.

The statement clarified that Manko would not be eligible to contest for the substantive VC position when it becomes available.

Further restructuring at federal universities was also announced.

Senator Lanre Tejuoso, currently Pro-Chancellor of the University of Agriculture, Makurdi, has been reassigned as Pro-Chancellor of Yakubu Gowon University, while Senator Joy Emordi will replace him in Makurdi.

Additionally, President Tinubu removed Professor Polycarp Emeka Chigbu from his role as Acting Vice Chancellor of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), ahead of his tenure’s scheduled end on February 14.