Nigeria to Abolish JSS/SSS Structure Amid 20M Dropouts

The Federal Government of Nigeria announced plans to abolish the long-standing Junior Secondary School (JSS) and Senior Secondary School (SSS) structure, as revealed by Dr. Tunji Alausa, the Minister of Education. This decision comes in response to alarming statistics indicating that over 20 million pupils have dropped out before reaching senior secondary education.

The current educational structure, introduced in 1982 as part of the 6-3-3-4 system, has failed to achieve its objectives and has worsened access to education across the country. Dr. Alausa disclosed that there are approximately 80,000 public primary schools and 15,000 junior secondary schools, leading to severe overcrowding in senior secondary schools.

The government aims to create a more effective educational system that ensures every Nigerian child has access to quality education. The proposal will be presented at the next National Council on Education meeting for approval as part of broader reforms to improve educational access and learning outcomes.