The Federal Government is scheduled to meet with the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) and the All Nigeria Confederation of Principals of Secondary Schools (ANCOPPS) this Wednesday to discuss a proposal put forward by the Minister of Education, Mr. Tunji Alausa, aimed at extending basic education to 12 years.
The proposal seeks to merge junior and senior secondary education into a single, continuous programme, which has sparked mixed reactions among key stakeholders in the education sector. While some have expressed support, others have called for more in-depth deliberation before any decision is made.
In an exclusive interview, the National President of ANCOPPS, Mr. Musa Ibrahim, clarified that while the proposal had been presented by the minister, it had not yet been enacted into law.
Ibrahim emphasised that discussions are still in the early stages, and the organisation is neither endorsing nor opposing the policy at this time.
“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 noted that the upcoming meeting in Abuja would provide an opportunity for a more detailed discussion of the proposal.
“We’re heading to Abuja on Wednesday, February 12, for a meeting, and once we’ve had our discussions, I’ll be sure to brief you on the outcome,” Ibrahim added.
Meanwhile, Mr. Audu Amber, the National President of the Nigeria Union of Teachers, stressed the importance of analysing the proposal in full before offering any public comment.
Amber revealed that media outlets have been eager for the union’s position, but he refrained from commenting until he has a clearer understanding of the government’s intentions.
“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 added that the matter requires careful consideration, particularly given its national significance.
“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,” Amber explained.
On the other hand, the National Chairman of the Parent-Teacher Association, Haruna Danjuma, expressed support for the proposal, praising it as a potential solution to reduce student dropout rates and enhance skill acquisition.
Danjuma suggested that merging junior and senior secondary school into a single programme could improve educational continuity and help retain students in the system.
“The addition of putting together junior and senior school of three years each, forming a nine-year programme 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 explained.
Danjuma also pointed out that the proposal would eliminate examination barriers between junior and senior secondary school, ensuring a smoother transition 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 said.
Additionally, Danjuma highlighted that the new curriculum would integrate vocational skills from primary four onward, providing students with both academic and practical career paths.
“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 stated.
As the proposal continues to stir debate, the outcome of the meeting between the Federal Government, ANCOPPS, and NUT is eagerly awaited, with many hoping that further discussions will help shape the future of Nigeria’s education system.
