… as calls grow for better schools, teacher welfare
The Federal Government’s proposal to eliminate the separation between Junior Secondary School (JSS) and Senior Secondary School (SSS) by extending compulsory basic education from nine to 12 years has generated widespread reactions, with many Nigerians welcoming the move as a step towards reducing school dropouts while insisting that broader reforms are needed to address the country’s education challenges.
Many stakeholders agree that making education seamless could improve retention rates if complemented by sustained investments in school infrastructure, teacher welfare, digital learning facilities and social interventions that tackle poverty and improve access to education across the country.
The policy recommendation seeks to retain Nigeria’s existing 6-3-3 structure but transform it into a seamless 12-year compulsory basic education programme.
Under the current arrangement, pupils spend six years in primary school, three years in junior secondary school and another three years in senior secondary school before proceeding to higher education or vocational training.
