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*Says Most States Churning Out Illiterates, As National Council On Education Brainstorms On Way Forward
The Minister of Education, Dr Maruf Tunji Alausa, on Thursday pushed for the introduction of 12 Years Basic Education in the Nigerian Education System
He spoke during the opening session of the 2025 Extra Ordinary National Council On Education (NCE) Meeting in Abuja.
Moat states Commissioners of Education from the 36 states of the Federation were in attendance at the meeting of the Council, which is the highest policy making body and the largest gathering of policy makers and technocrats on education in Nigeria.
The Minister expressed concerns over the worsening standard of education in Nigeria as he noted that most states are presently churning out illiterates from schools.
Before reading his prepared speech, the Minister commended the Minister of State for Education, Prof Suwaiba Said Ahmad, who earlier made presentation to the the Council and stated "Most states are just churning out illiterates."
He was speaking at the backdrop of the challenges facing the sector, which the Council is to brainstorm on and make recommendations.
On the need for 12 years basic education, he said "Some of the issues that informed convening the Extraordinary NCE for discussion include: A. Introduction of the 12 Years of Basic Education in the Nigerian Education System
"Distinguished members of Council, guests, esteemed educators, policymakers, and all stakeholders in the Nigerian education sector, it is with great honor that I stand before you today to discuss a transformative proposal in our education system—the integration of secondary education into basic education to span 12 years.
"This initiative aligns with global best practices and Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG4) of ensuring inclusive and equitable quality education for all.
"Nigeria’s current education system, introduced since 1982 follows the 1-6-3-3-4 structure (in principle 1-9-3-4), comprising:
One year of ECCDE
Nine years of Basic (primary and junior secondary education), Three years of senior secondary education and Four years of tertiary education (depending on the discipline),
He said that while the structure has served the nation for decades, it has also presented challenges, particularly in ensuring retention and completion for the learners.
The transition from junior to senior secondary school, he pointed out, often leads to a significant dropout rate due to financial constraints, writing of transitional examinations, poor infrastructure and limited access to quality learning.
But he said that funding has remained a principal and recurrent challenge facing the sector.
He added "The Ministry intends to forward an Executive Memo to Mr. President and Federal Executive Council (FEC) for approval to increase funding arrangement of UBEC presently in use to a more robust, development-oriented arrangement for provision of funds to improve our educational institutions.
"The proposal of funding will be from 2% to 5% (1% to ECCDE, 2% - 4% to Basic Education). This will increase funding of both Basic and Senior Secondary Education which does not negate the disarticulation of the schools. This will also be reflected in the amended/updated UBEC Act."
Explaining the proposal to subsume Secondary Education into Basic Education, the Minister said
by making secondary education a part of basic education, students will benefit from uninterrupted learning up to the age of 16.
The reform, he said, will also reduce dropout rates by eliminating financial and systemic barriers that currently prevent students from completing secondary education.
He added "Extending basic education to 12 years will ensure a standardized curriculum that is uniformly implemented across the nation. This will also facilitate early exposure to vocational and entrepreneurial skills, preparing students for both higher education and employment"
The Minister also said that many developed nations have implemented similar systems where basic education spans 12 years, ensuring that students acquire foundational knowledge before specializing at tertiary levels.
The reform, he said, also aligns Nigeria’s education system with international standards, fostering better educational outcomes and global competitiveness.
"Educated youth contribute significantly to national development. When students receive an extended period of compulsory education, they are better equipped to join the workforce with relevant skills.
"This reform will also reduce child labor and other social vices resulting from premature school dropouts."
He highlighted the following measures as its implementation strategies, Policy Reforms, A comprehensive review of the National Policy on Education to redefine basic education as a 12-year program, Infrastructure Expansion, Investment in schools to accommodate increased enrollment and ensure adequate learning facilities.
Others, he said, are "Teacher Training and Recruitment: A well-trained workforce is essential to handle the extended curriculum effectively.
"Funding and Partnerships: Collaboration with international organizations, private sectors and government bodies to ensure sustainable funding.
"Curriculum Enhancement: Incorporating technical, vocational, and digital literacy education to equip students with 21st-century skills from their early stage of education."
The future of Nigeria’s education system, he said, depends on bold and strategic decisions.
"There is need for radical change in our educational system if it will remain a veritable tool for socio-economic growth and development. Primary and secondary school management is the exclusive preserve of the sub national governments while the Federal Government provides technical and funding support.
"Everyone’s attention need to be drawn of the fact that we do have a problem in the sector and we need to understand the nature of the problem and consider our capacity and ability to effect the necessary changes based on the magnitude of what needs to be done and then devise a structure that will ensure sustainability of improving our educational system
"Subsuming secondary education into basic education to span 12 years is a necessary step towards creating a more inclusive, equitable, and globally competitive system. It is time for us to embrace this reform to secure the future of our children and ultimately, the prosperity of our nation." he stated
The Minister also spoke about the Conversion of Federal Science and Technical Colleges to Federal Technical Colleges in Nigeria,
On the expected benefits, he said "Graduates will have hands-on expertise in key technical fields, reducing dependence on expatriates for technical jobs, improve employability and entrepreneurship opportunities for Nigerian youth.
"Strengthen partnerships with industries for internships, apprenticeships, and employment placements and enhance synergy between educational institutions and industrial sectors.
"Nigeria will be better positioned in global markets with a technically proficient workforce and the country’s industrialization drive will receive a boost through innovation and skilled labor."
On incorporation of the 16 years minimum admission age policy to Tertiary Institutions into the National Policy on Education in Nigeria, he said "The Education (National Minimum Standards and Establishment of Institutions) Act 1985 (CAP E.3, LFN, 2004) referred to as Education (Minimum Standard) Act is the principal legislation in Nigeria enacted by the National Assembly and vested the Hon. Minister of Education with statutory responsibility of laying the minimum standards in consultation with various regulatory bodies empowered to prescribe minimum standards of education in Nigeria
"Suffices to note that there is no provision in the Act pegging the minimum entry age into higher institutions at 16 or 18 years. Therefore, the decision to peg the minimum entry age requirement at 16 or 18 is at the discretion for the Honourable Minister through the National Council on Education.
"The 1981 National Policy of Education introduced the 6:3:3:4 system of education in Nigeria which has been retained in subsequent editions. To this end, there is now the urgent need to amend the 2013 National Policy on Education to reflect that 16 years shall be the minimum entry age requirement into our tertiary institutions to avoid ambiguity on the position of this Policy thrust of the Government."
"Psychosocial and Emotional Maturity: At 16 years, students are already equipped to handle the social and psychological pressures of tertiary education. It encourages personal responsibility, self-discipline and maturity among undergraduates."
The Minister explained that many developed countries maintain a minimum tertiary entry age of 16–18 years and aligning with global educational best practices improves the credibility of Nigerian degrees and graduates internationally.
"The incorporation of the 16-year admission age policy into the National Policy on Education is a progressive step towards strengthening Nigeria’s education system. It will ensure that students enter tertiary institutions at an appropriate age, fully equipped to succeed academically and socially and the government can ensure a cohesive and supportive education system that caters to the needs of all students, regardless of age."
Another issue he brought before the Council is Bullying in the Nigeria Education Institutions.
"Bullying has remained a noxious issue in Nigerian schools, with detrimental effects on the physical, emotional, and psychological well-being of students. Bullying takes various forms, including physical violence, verbal abuse, social exclusion, and cyberbullying.
"It can be student to student, teacher to student, or even student to teacher. It occurs across all age groups and can have long-lasting consequences for both victims and perpetrators.
"In Nigerian schools, there has been a tremendous rise in cases of incessant bullying across the nation. It disrupts learning, damages confidence, and can have long-term effects on mental health and some cases lead to unwarranted deaths. It often goes unchecked and unpunished due to lack of awareness, inadequate reporting mechanisms, and a culture of silence that perpetuates the cycle of abuse.
"Despite its prevalence, there is a glaring absence of comprehensive anti-bullying policies to address the issue directly. Various studies have put bullying in Nigerian schools between 70 per cent and as high as 85 per cent. It is a complex and traumatic experience that significantly impacts the psychological and mental well-being of children, adolescents and even parents."
In her welcome address, the Minister of State for Education, Prof Suwaiba Said Ahmad, noted that education is an accepted veritable instrument for national development.
"It produces different kinds of manpower such as teachers, engineers, lawyers, medical doctors, architects, soldiers, scientists e.t.c needed for national development.
"Hence, the saying that “no society can develop beyond its educational system.” It is the product of education that transforms the society.
"Therefore, the quality of Education will determine the quality of manpower and will reduce the rate of unemployment, since graduates and technicians can become self-employed after leaving school."
The focus of the Extra-Ordinary National Council on Education meeting, she said, is to deliberate on emerging issues and come up with policies that will enhance a transformative period for Nigeria’s education sector.
"This will bring about global competitiveness and transformation of the Education Sector for national development." she stated
Among those who attended the meeting included the Permanent Secretaries from the State Ministries of Education, FME Permanent Secretary, Dr Nasir Gwarzo Directors, Chief Executives of Education Parastatals and other stakeholders.