The Ministry of Education has clarified that Minister Tunji Alausa only proposed a shift to a 12-year basic education system and not an immediate policy change. The plan, which aims to phase out the Junior and Senior Secondary School system, is still under review.

According to the ministry, the proposal will not take effect right away. A final decision will only be made after thorough discussions and evaluations.

In a statement signed by Director of Press Folasade Boriowo, the ministry emphasized that the National Council on Education (NCE) must assess the proposal before any implementation.

“At the Extraordinary National Council on Education Meeting held on February 6, 2025, in Abuja, Minister of Education Dr. Maruf Olatunji Alausa presented the idea for discussion, not as an immediate policy shift,” the statement read.

The proposal suggests transitioning to 12 years of compulsory education while keeping the current 6-3-3 structure. However, this plan is still open to further consultation and deliberation.

To ensure a well-informed decision, the ministry will engage key stakeholders over the next eight months. This includes education policymakers, state governments, teachers, parents, and other relevant groups. The final decision on whether to adopt the reform will be made at the National Council on Education meeting in October 2025.