The Federal Government has clarified that Nigeria has not scrapped the existing 6-3-3-4 education structure, stating that the current system remains in place while plans are underway to transition to a 12-year compulsory, uninterrupted basic education model.

The clarification was made by the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, following widespread public confusion over reports suggesting that the government had abolished the long-standing education structure.

According to the minister, the government’s proposal is aimed at extending compulsory education from the current nine years to 12 years while retaining the existing 6-3-3 framework during the transition. The proposed reform seeks to provide uninterrupted learning from primary school through senior secondary school, eliminating the examination barrier between Junior Secondary School (JSS) and Senior Secondary School (SSS).

A statement by the Federal Ministry of Education emphasized that the proposal is not yet an official policy. Instead, it is part of an ongoing reform process that will undergo extensive consultations with key stakeholders, including state governments, education administrators, teachers, parents, and development partners before any final decision is taken.

Dr. Alausa explained that the proposed model is designed to guarantee 12 years of compulsory and uninterrupted basic education, with the objective of reducing school dropout rates, improving learning outcomes, and aligning Nigeria’s education system with global best practices. He also said the reform would ensure students receive continuous instruction until they are ready for tertiary education or vocational pathways.

The proposal was first presented during an Extraordinary Meeting of the National Council on Education (NCE), where education commissioners from the 36 states, the Federal Capital Territory, and other stakeholders discussed possible reforms to the country’s education system. The ministry has since stressed that no immediate changes have been implemented and that the current education structure remains operational pending further deliberations.

The clarification follows widespread public debate after earlier reports suggested the Federal Government had abolished the 6-3-3-4 system. The ministry reiterated that the focus is on creating a seamless 12-year basic education programme without disrupting the existing structure until a comprehensive implementation framework is approved through due process.