The federal government is to meet with the Nigeria Union of Teachers and the All Nigeria Confederation of Secondary School Principals on Wednesday to discuss the Minister of Education’s proposal to extend basic education to 12 years.
The plan, which seeks to combine junior and senior secondary education into a single continuous course, has elicited varied reactions from education stakeholders, with requests for cautious consideration before any decision is taken.
In an exclusive interview, Mr. Musa Ibrahim, National President of ANCOPPS, highlighted that, while the minister had proposed the proposal, it had not yet been adopted into legislation.
“The minister has made a proposal, 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. What we need to do is look at the blueprint, whether it’s 12 years, nine years, or 10 years—it all depends,” Ibrahim said.
He also disclosed that the upcoming meeting in Abuja would provide an opportunity for deeper discussions.
“We’re heading to Abuja on Wednesday for a meeting, and once we’ve had our discussions, I’ll be sure to brief you on the outcome,” he added.
In the same vein, the National President of the Nigeria Union of Teachers, Mr. Audu Amber, stressed the need for further analysis before making any definitive comments.
“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 comment. 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 said.
He mentioned that the issue required careful examination, given its national significance.
“This is a national issue, and before one should make a comment, one should be able to analyse 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,” he added.
Meanwhile, the National Chairman of the Parent-Teacher Association, Haruna Danjuma, expressed support for the proposal, describing it as a move that could reduce student dropout rates and improve skill acquisition among students.
“The addition of putting together junior and senior schools 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 said.
He stated that the proposed structure would eliminate examination barriers between junior and senior secondary school, ensuring a seamless transition for students.
“There will be no examination in between. So, once you start, you continue until you complete SS3, and you will receive a 12-year certificate of basic education. The idea here is that there is no break in the transition, which even saves some students from dropping out,” he explained.
Danjuma also emphasised that the curriculum would incorporate vocational skills from primary four, preparing students for both higher education and practical career paths.
“In basic education, it’s expected that students will start learning practical skills, either in electricity or computer education, from class four onwards. 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 stated.
