- Dr Tunji Alausa advocated for a 12-year uninterrupted education model, replacing the current 9-3-4 system
- Conversion of federal science and technical colleges to federal technical colleges to boost practical skills for national development was disclosed
- The Minister also discussed the introduction of a national policy to address bullying in schools
Dr Tunji Alausa, Nigeria’s Minister of Education, has called for a transition from the current 9-3-4 education system to a 12-4 model, proposing that basic education be extended to 12 years without interruption.
He made this announcement during his speech at the 2025 Extraordinary National Council of Education meeting in Abuja on Thursday, February.
“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.
“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,” Alausa stated.
Recall that in the existing 9-3-4 system, Nigerian students undergo nine years of basic education, followed by three years of senior secondary school and four years of tertiary education.
Alausa emphasised that the shift to a 12-year basic education system would better meet the evolving needs of the country’s educational framework.
Conversion of federal science, technical colleges into federal technical colleges
“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,” he stated.
“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,” Alausa explained.
The meeting, which brought together Nigeria’s top education policymakers, also addressed several critical issues, including the introduction of a national policy to tackle bullying in schools.
Additionally, the Council discussed a proposed 16-year age requirement for admission into tertiary institutions, which is expected to be incorporated into the national education policy.
Alausa also highlighted plans to convert federal science and technical colleges into federal technical colleges. He explained that such a move would strengthen technical education, which is key to equipping students with the practical skills needed to address the skills gap in the country’s workforce.
Alausa urges advancing students into university at 16
“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 exceptionally gifted students who are highly functional.
“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,” Alausa stated.
He further said, “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.”
FG plans conversion of colleges of education to universities, says minister
Meanwhile, TheRadar earlier reported that the Federal Government was considering converting all federal colleges of education into universities of education due to declining enrollment.
Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, emphasised the need for the transition, citing the inefficiency of the current model and comparisons with advanced countries.