Nigeria Overhauls Education System, Introduces 12-Year Mandatory Basic Schooling

Nigeria Revamps Education System, Introduces 12-Year Mandatory Schooling

The Nigerian government has officially abolished the Junior and Senior Secondary School structure, replacing it with a 12-year uninterrupted basic education system before entry into higher education.

Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, announced the reform on Thursday at the 2025 Extraordinary National Council on Education meeting in Abuja. As part of the overhaul, the government plans to set 16 as the minimum age for university admission.

The new system is designed to reduce dropout rates, remove financial barriers, and equip students with vocational and entrepreneurial skills, aligning Nigeria’s education sector with global standards.

To ensure successful implementation, the government has outlined strategies including policy reforms, infrastructure development, teacher training, and curriculum modernization.