The Federal Government is scheduled to meet with the Nigeria Union of Teachers and the All Nigeria Confederation of Principals of Secondary Schools on Wednesday to deliberate on the proposal by the Minister of Education, Mr. Tunji Alausa, to extend the duration of basic education to 12 years.
The proposal, which aims to merge junior and senior secondary education into a continuous 12-year program, has elicited diverse reactions from education stakeholders, with many calling for thorough discussions before a decision is made.
In an interview, the National President of ANCOPPS, Mr. Musa Ibrahim, clarified that the minister’s idea is still at the proposal stage and has not been formalized into law.
“The minister has made a proposal, but it’s not a law yet. He has simply suggested it, and we haven’t had the chance to discuss it thoroughly. We’re not backing or rejecting this policy change just yet. What we need to do is look at the blueprint, whether it’s 12 years, nine years, or 10 years—it all depends,” Ibrahim said.
He further revealed that the scheduled meeting in Abuja would provide an avenue for deeper engagement on the matter.
“We’re heading to Abuja on Wednesday for a meeting, and once we’ve had our discussions, I’ll be sure to brief you on the outcome,” he added.
Similarly, the National President of the Nigeria Union of Teachers, Mr. Audu Amber, emphasized the need for comprehensive analysis before making any definitive comments on the proposal.
“Thank God you said it’s a proposal. Since the day before yesterday, I’ve not been talking because all the media houses, both print and broadcast, have been calling me for our comment. I don’t want to comment now because until I get the full picture and intentions of the government, I can’t speak on it,” Amber said.
He underscored the importance of careful evaluation due to the issue’s national relevance.
“This is a national issue, and before one should make a comment, one should be able to analyse it. By tomorrow, I’ll be in the office. We will put our heads together, and then I’ll have the opportunity to make comments,” he added.
Meanwhile, the National Chairman of the Parent-Teacher Association, Haruna Danjuma, expressed his support for the proposal, citing its potential to reduce dropout rates and promote skill acquisition among students.
“The addition of putting together junior and senior school of three years each, forming a nine-year program of basic education, is a good move. Once you start JS1, you continue until you complete SS3, and at the end, you will obtain a certificate for 12 years of basic education,” Danjuma said.
He explained that the proposed structure would eliminate the examination gap between junior and senior secondary schools, ensuring a seamless academic journey for students.
“There will be no examination in between. So, once you start, you continue until you complete SS3, and you will receive a 12-year certificate of basic education. The idea here is that there is no break in the transition, which even saves some students from dropping out,” he explained.
Danjuma also pointed out that vocational skills would be introduced into the curriculum from primary four, preparing students for higher education as well as practical careers.
“In basic education, it’s expected that students will start learning practical skills, either in electricity or computer education, from class four onward. This will give our children more attention to learning, enabling them to pass their SS3 exams and qualify to sit for JAMB or WAEC,” he added.
