By Yinka Olopade
Monday February 10, 2025
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The Federal Government will hold a meeting with the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) and the All Nigeria Confederation of Principals of Secondary Schools (ANCOPPS) this Wednesday in Abuja over the proposal to extend the country’s basic education structure to 12 years as announced by the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa,
The proposal has sparked a mixture of reactions from education stakeholders, with some expressing cautious optimism and others urging a more cautious approach before any law is passed.
Mr. Musa Ibrahim, National President of ANCOPPS, emphasized that while the Minister had floated the idea, it was still a proposal and not yet enacted as law.
“The minister has proposed, 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,” Ibrahim explained.
Further clarifying the position of his association, Ibrahim added, “What we need to do is look at the blueprint, whether it’s 12 years, nine years, or 10 years—it all depends on the discussions in the coming days.”
Similarly, Mr. Audu Amber, the National President of the NUT, echoed the need for detailed analysis before commenting.
“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 comments. 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 noted.
He emphasized that any changes to the educational structure were of national importance and needed a thorough examination.
“This is a national issue, and before one should comment, one should be able to analyze 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 said.
While many are taking a wait-and-see approach, some stakeholders have expressed strong support for the initiative. Haruna Danjuma, National Chairman of the Parent-Teacher Association, endorsed the proposal, arguing that it could help reduce the alarming student dropout rate.
“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 remarked.
Danjuma went on to explain that the proposed system would also streamline the education process by eliminating examinations that currently separate junior and senior secondary school, ensuring a smoother transition for students
He further emphasized that the curriculum would integrate vocational training early on, with students learning practical skills such as electricity or computer education from as early as class four.
“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.
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