Nigeria’s education minister proposes 12-year basic education model
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The Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, has proposed a transition to a 12-year basic education system in Nigeria, advocating a shift from the current 9-3-4 model to a 12-4 structure.
Speaking at the 2025 Extraordinary National Council of Education meeting in Abuja on Thursday, Alausa emphasised the need for this reform to align Nigeria’s education system with global standards.
The NCE, the highest policymaking body in Nigeria’s education sector, convened to deliberate on key issues, including the proposed 12-year model and the approval of a national policy on bullying.
“It is important to acknowledge that while the 9-3-4 system of education has its merits, it also has drawbacks, such as the need for students to work in order to further their education,” Alausa explained.
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