Kabiru Haruna
The Honourable Minister of Education has officially denied claims that the government is scrapping the current Junior Secondary School (JSS) and Senior Secondary School (SSS) system.
Instead, he clarified that the proposal aims to strengthen the education system by extending the duration of basic education from nine to twelve years.
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Speaking at a press briefing, the Minister emphasized that any such changes would undergo extensive consultations with key stakeholders, including state governments and local communities, over a period of nine months.
He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to improving education quality, making senior secondary school compulsory, and ensuring that structural adjustments align with available funding.
Key Highlights of the Proposed Reform
Extension of Basic Education: The plan seeks to extend compulsory education to 12 years to ensure better student preparedness.
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Stakeholder Engagement: Any structural changes will follow consultations with communities, states, and other relevant bodies.
Increased Funding: A proposal to raise the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) access fund from 2% to 5% of revenue to enhance support for schools.
Structural Reforms: Adjustments at state levels to create sustainable education funding patterns.
Support for Gifted Students: Special provisions for talented students under 16, allowing them to take examinations for early academic progression.
Policy on Bullying: The government is working on a national policy to address bullying and ensure the safety of students at all levels.
The Minister also assured Nigerians that these reforms are designed to create a stable and effective system that will not be subject to frequent changes by successive governments. He noted that many government secondary schools lack adequate funding and that the reforms aim to address such gaps.
Additionally, the Minister of State for Education, Professor Suwaiba Sa’id Ahmad, addressed concerns regarding the use of mother tongue in education. She emphasized that while the policy promotes indigenous language instruction, its implementation will be guided by practical considerations and teacher training programs. She cited examples from countries like Tanzania (Swahili), Saudi Arabia (Arabic), and India to highlight global approaches to language policy in education.
The government also reaffirmed its commitment to addressing issues related to Almajiri education, girls’ education, and out-of-school children, ensuring that all Nigerian children have access to quality learning opportunities.
The Ministry of Education remains committed to continuous engagement with stakeholders to ensure the success of these initiatives.