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FG, NUT to discuss 12-year basic education

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By Mercy Kelani

Junior & senior sec ed are to be combined into one continuous program.

In order to discuss a proposal by Education Minister Mr. Tunji Alausa to extend Basic Education to 12 years, the Federal Government of Nigeria is scheduled to meet with important education stakeholders, such as the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) and the All Nigeria Confederation of Principals of Secondary Schools (ANCOPPS). Junior and senior secondary education are to be combined into one continuous program, according to the proposal. Stakeholders are waiting for more discussion, though, as it has not yet been passed into law.

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According to ANCOPPS National President Mr. Musa Ibrahim, no decision has been made and the issue is still being discussed. He underlined that before making a decision, it is crucial to study the plan. According to Mr. Audu Amber, National President of NUT, he would also hold off on making any comments until after the idea has been thoroughly examined. The National Chairman of the Parent-Teacher Association, Mr. Haruna Danjuma, however, is in favour of the concept. He thinks it will lower the number of kids dropping out, remove the obstacles caused by exams between junior and senior secondary school, and give children a smooth transition.

The program aims to lower dropout rates in the country.

Vocational training will also be introduced starting in primary four under the new framework, giving children hands-on experience in subjects like computer education and Electricity to help them prepare for future study or careers. The Federal Government of Nigeria is thinking about making a big change to its policies by extending basic education from the present 9-year system to a 12-year one. Through the integration of junior and senior Secondary School into a single, continuous program, this idea would enable pupils to continue their study until they turn sixteen. By bringing Nigeria’s Educational System into line with global norms, the program aims to lower dropout rates and better prepare students for both college and the workforce.

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Nigeria currently has a 9-3-4 educational system, which consists of nine years of basic education (6 years of primary school and three years of junior secondary education), three years of senior secondary education, and four years of university education. Exams and financial obstacles are two common transitional issues that students in this system encounter as they go from junior to senior secondary levels. By offering a smooth learning environment, the suggested 12-year basic education model seeks to remove these obstacles and lower the likelihood that students will drop out throughout transitions.

There are questions on whether the ed system can handle this expansion.

Reactions to the proposed policy have been divided, according to education experts. According to some commentators, raising the age of basic education to 12 years old might help standardise Curriculum across the country and expose pupils to entrepreneurial and vocational skills earlier, better preparing them for both further education and the workforce. Nonetheless, questions have been raised about whether Nigeria’s educational system is prepared to handle this expansion. Critics point to problems such insufficient financing, a lack of training for teachers, and regional differences in educational resources. They warn that the policy may encounter major implementation obstacles if these fundamental issues are not resolved.

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More so, the development of infrastructure, Teacher recruitment and training, and funding are among the implementation obstacles. Having enough skilled teachers on hand is essential to the extended education model’s success. This makes extensive programs of training necessary to give teachers the abilities needed for the updated curriculum and to hire more teachers to handle the growing student body. There are now many schools in Nigeria without proper infrastructure. In order to support the longer school years, the proposed policy will require major Infrastructure improvements, such as the building of new classrooms, labs, and Vocational Training facilities.

Related Article: Nigeria to adopt 12-year basic education

Some students are hopeful about the longer study period because they believe it will better prepare them for college and the workforce. Others, on the other hand, worry that a lengthy education may postpone their entry into the workforce. The possibility of a more thorough education is valued by many parents, but some are worried about the financial ramifications, including higher uniform, transportation, and other school-related expenditures. While acknowledging the potential advantages of a standardised 12-year curriculum, educators stress that in order to implement the extended program successfully, sufficient training and resources are required.

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