The Federal Government has clarified that Nigeria's long-standing 6-3-3-4 education system has not been scrapped, despite recent reports suggesting otherwise. Instead, the government says it is transitioning to a unified 12-year compulsory and uninterrupted basic education model aimed at improving access to quality education across the country.
The clarification was made by the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, who explained that the current structure remains the foundation of Nigeria's education system while reforms are being implemented to strengthen learning outcomes and reduce barriers that contribute to school dropouts.
According to the minister, the proposed model is designed to provide every Nigerian child with 12 years of continuous basic education before progressing to higher education or vocational pathways. The reform seeks to ensure that learners complete their foundational education without unnecessary interruptions while promoting equity and improving educational standards nationwide.
Dr. Alausa noted that the transition aligns with the Federal Government's broader education reform agenda, which focuses on increasing school enrolment, improving retention rates, and equipping young Nigerians with the knowledge and skills required for national development.
The minister emphasized that the familiar 6-3-3-4 framework comprising six years of primary education, three years of junior secondary education, three years of senior secondary education, and four years of tertiary education remains in effect. However, under the new approach, the first 12 years will be treated as a single, compulsory phase of basic education to ensure continuity in learning.
Education stakeholders have welcomed the clarification, noting that confusion had arisen following earlier reports suggesting the complete abolition of the 6-3-3-4 structure. Experts say the government's explanation provides greater clarity on the direction of the proposed reforms while reassuring schools, parents, and students that the existing framework is not being discarded.
The proposed reform is also expected to support efforts to reduce Nigeria's out-of-school population, which remains one of the highest in the world. By making 12 years of education compulsory and uninterrupted, policymakers hope to improve literacy, strengthen human capital development, and better prepare students for the demands of higher education and the modern workforce.
The Federal Government reaffirmed its commitment to working with state governments, education authorities, and other stakeholders to ensure the successful implementation of the new model.
As discussions on education reform continue, the Ministry of Education urged the public to rely on official government communications for accurate information regarding policy changes, stressing that the transition is intended to strengthen not replace the existing education system.