The Minister of Education, Malam Adamu Kumo, has officially addressed public concerns about the proposed reform of the secondary school system, clarifying that the government does not intend to scrap the Junior Secondary School (JSS) and Senior Secondary School (SSS) structure but plans to extend the duration of basic education from nine to twelve years to enhance student preparedness and educational outcomes.
Speaking on Friday at a press briefing, Kumo explained that any changes would be implemented following extensive consultations with key stakeholders, including state governments, local communities, and other relevant bodies. These consultations, spanning nine months, will ensure that all voices are heard before any structural adjustments are made.
“Our goal is not to abolish the JSS and SSS system, but to extend the length of compulsory education to twelve years. This will provide a stronger foundation for our students,” said Kumo. “We are committed to a robust, sustainable education system that will benefit all Nigerians.”
Key aspects of the proposed reforms include raising the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) access fund from 2% to 5% of national revenue to improve funding for schools.
The government also plans to make senior secondary school education compulsory and introduce measures for gifted students under 16 to advance academically.
Minister of State for Education, Professor Suwaiba Sa’id Ahmad, addressed concerns regarding the use of indigenous languages in education. While promoting the inclusion of mother tongue instruction, Sa’id Ahmad emphasised that its implementation would be based on practical considerations, including the necessary teacher training. “We will follow successful models from countries like Tanzania and India to guide our approach.”
