Victoria Mgbanwa
As discussions intensify over the Federal Government’s proposal to extend basic education to 12 years, stakeholders in the education sector has emphasized the need for thorough deliberation before any policy changes are made.
While the idea has gained support from some quarters, representatives of teachers and school principals insist that more analysis is required to assess its feasibility and long-term impact.
The Minister of Education, Mr. Tunji Alausa, recently suggested merging junior and senior secondary education into a continuous 12-year programme. However, the National President of the All Nigeria Confederation of Principals of Secondary Schools (ANCOPPS), Mr. Musa Ibrahim, clarified that the proposal remains at a preliminary stage and has not been enacted into law.
“The minister has made a proposal, but it’s not a law yet. He has simply suggested it, and we haven’t had the chance to discuss it thoroughly. We’re not backing or rejecting this policy change just yet. What we need to do is look at the blueprint, whether it’s 12 years, nine years, or 10 years—it all depends,” Ibrahim stated.
Similarly, the National President of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Mr. Audu Amber, expressed caution, stressing that teachers would need a clearer understanding of the policy’s implications before taking a stance.
“This is a national issue, and before one should make a comment, one should be able to analyse it. By tomorrow, I’ll be in the office. We will put our heads together, and then I’ll have the opportunity to make comments,” Amber said.
Despite the reservations, the National Chairman of the Parent-Teacher Association, Haruna Danjuma, backed the proposal, citing its potential to reduce dropout rates and strengthen vocational training. According to him, merging junior and senior secondary school into a seamless 12-year programme could eliminate transition-related setbacks and enhance skill acquisition among students.
“The curriculum will integrate vocational skills from primary four, ensuring that by the time students complete secondary school, they have both academic knowledge and practical skills,” Danjuma explained.
With a crucial meeting set for Wednesday between the Federal Government, teachers, and school principals, stakeholders anticipate deeper discussions on the policy’s structure, benefits, and possible challenges. Until then, education professionals remain cautious, insisting that any major reform must be backed by a well-defined framework to ensure effective implementation.
