The federal government of Nigeria has proposed adopting a 12-year Basic Education model into the academic system to ensure that students benefit from a continuous learning experience until the age of 16. The Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, announced the plan during the 2025 Extraordinary National Council on Education Meeting in Abuja. The proposed changes are expected to address critical issues such as dropout rates, educational disparities, and the quality of learning outcomes while also preparing students for the global economy.
Therefore, the current academic system includes nine years of basic school, and four years of Tertiary Education will be scrapped. However, the new proposal aims to merge the nine-year basic school with three years of secondary school, creating a 12-year basic academic framework. This model will ensure continuous and uninterrupted learning for students up to 16, providing a more comprehensive and standardised learning experience. The reform is expected to enhance access, retention, and completion rates while reducing the financial and systemic barriers that currently hinder many students from completing their secondary school.
Aligning with global standards and enhancing institutional outcomes.
Furthermore, the key motivation behind the proposed model is its alignment with global best practices. Countries with high-performing academic systems, like Finland, Canada, and South Korea, have long adopted extended basic school frameworks emphasising continuous learning and skill development. By adopting a similar model, the federal government aims to improve the quality of its academic system, foster better standardisation, and ensure that students receive a more comprehensive learning experience. The extended Curriculum is further expected to cover a broader range of subjects, including vocational and entrepreneurial skills.
As a result, the potential benefits of this reform are far-reaching. The government hopes to address the alarming rate of out-of-school children in the country, which currently stands at 18.3 million, according to a 2024 UNICEF report. This figure includes 10.2 million children at the primary level and 8.1 million at the junior secondary level. While this data does not directly represent dropout rates, it underscores the urgent need for interventions that keep children in school. The new model is expected to reduce dropout rates by eliminating financial and systemic barriers, ensuring more students complete their academics.
Addressing dropout rates and promoting social equity.
High dropout rates have long been a challenge in the country’s academic system, with factors such as poverty, teenage pregnancy, academic performance, and family background contributing to the problem. A recent study conducted in Calabar Municipality, Cross River State, revealed a dropout rate of 25% in public secondary schools during the 2023/2024 academic session. This new model seeks to tackle these issues by providing a more stable and supportive learning environment. By ensuring that students remain in school until the age of 16, the government aims to equip them with the knowledge and skills needed to navigate the challenges of adulthood and contribute meaningfully to society.
Moreover, the reform is expected to promote social equity by creating a more inclusive institutional system. In a country as diverse as Nigeria, disparities in access to quality learning have historically favoured urban areas and wealthier families. The extended basic school model aims to level the playing field by providing all students with equal opportunities to succeed regardless of their background. This could transform the socioeconomic landscape, as a more educated populace is better equipped to drive Economic Development and innovation.
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Lastly, the model is also designed to expose students to vocational and entrepreneurial training earlier, preparing them for Higher Education and the workforce. This approach is fundamental in Nigeria, where youth Unemployment remains a pressing issue. By equipping students with relevant skills, the government hopes to create a generation of young people who are academically proficient and capable of contributing to the Economy through Innovation and entrepreneurship. However, if successfully implemented, the new system could serve as a blueprint for other nations struggling with similar challenges.