The Federal Government’s proposal to extend basic education from nine to twelve years has stirred discussions among education stakeholders, with concerns over its implementation and long-term impact.
Minister of Education Tunji Alausa suggested merging junior and senior secondary education into a continuous programme, with the purpose of enhancing learning process and reduce student dropout rates. However, education leaders argue that the plan requires thorough scrutiny before any decision is made.
Musa Ibrahim, President of ANCOPPS, stated that the proposal is still at the discussion stage. “It’s an idea, not yet a policy. We need to evaluate its structure before supporting or rejecting it,” he said.
Similarly, Audu Amber, President of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), refrained from making a definitive statement, stressing that a detailed framework is necessary before assessing its feasibility.
In contrast, Parent-Teacher Association Chairman, Haruna Danjuma, sees the reform as a step toward seamless education. He believes integrating junior and senior secondary levels without exam barriers would help students stay in school and gain vocational skills earlier.
With a crucial meeting scheduled for Wednesday in Abuja, education stakeholders will weigh the benefits and challenges of the 12-year basic education system, determining whether it aligns with Nigeria’s educational needs.
