FG has not scrapped JSS, SSS – Education minister

Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, has debunked media reports indicating that the Federal Government had scrapped the Junior Secondary School (JSS) and Senior Secondary School (SSS) and replaced them with a new 12-year education model.

The minister, who insisted that the reports were not true, explained that he only submitted a proposal seeking to migrate to 12 years of compulsory education while retaining the current 6-3-3-4 structure.

The minister had on Thursday during the 2025 Extraordinary National Council of Education, a meeting of the highest policymaking body, held in Abuja, proposed a 12-year basic education model in Nigeria.

He said it was prudent to transition from the 6-3-3-4 to the 12-4 system of education.

His proposal was misrepresented by a section of the media which reported that the government had scrapped JSS and SSS and replaced them with a new 12-year uninterrupted basic education model.

But addressing the media on Friday, the minister debunked the reports, saying he merely “presented a proposal for discussion—not an immediate policy change”.

He “The proposal seeks to migrate to 12 years of compulsory education while retaining the current 6-3-3 structure.”

“The attention of the Federal Ministry of Education has been drawn to misleading reports suggesting that the Federal Government has scrapped Junior Secondary School (JSS) and Senior Secondary School (SSS) and replaced them with a new 12-year uninterrupted basic education model. We wish to categorically state that this is not true.

“At the Extraordinary National Council on Education (NCE) Meeting held on February 6, 2025, in Abuja, I presented a proposal for discussion—not an immediate policy change. The proposal seeks to migrate to 12 years of compulsory education while retaining the current 6-3-3 structure.

“A key aspect of this proposal is to eliminate the examination barrier between JSS and SSS, allowing for a seamless transition of students without the hurdles of an external assessment at that stage. However, this is still a subject of consultation and deliberation.

“To ensure a well-informed decision, the Ministry will undertake extensive stakeholder engagements over the next eight months, consulting widely with education policymakers, state governments, teachers, parents, and other key players.

“The final decision on whether to adopt this reform will be made at the October 2025 National Council on Education Meeting.”

He urged the public to disregard the false claim that JSS and SSS have been scrapped.

“The Federal Government remains committed to policies that enhance access to quality education while aligning with global best practices,” he said.

Tinubu sacks University of Abuja VC Maikudi, dissolves governing council 

President Bola Tinubu has relieved Vice Chancellor of Yakubu Gowon University (University of Abuja), Professor Aisha Maikudi, of her appointment.

The President also sacked the Air Vice-Marshal Saddiq Ismaila Kaita (Rtd)-led Governing Council of the institution.

Professor Lar Patricia Manko was named as Acting Vice Chancellor at the University for a six-month term.

The development came a few hours after Maikudi conducted the matriculation ceremony of the university and less than six weeks after her appointment.

Maikudi’s removal and the Governing Council dissolution were contained in a statement by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, on Thursday.

Recall that Prof. Maikudi’s appointment had been met with stiff opposition in some quarters.

A total of 43 professors had written to President Tinubu declaring their opposition to the emergence of Prof. Maikudi as the institution’s vice-chancellor.

They accused the school’s governing council of breaching the relevant university’s law by imposing Maikudi on them whom they said was unqualified to hold the position.

The presidency’s statement read in part: “At Yakubu Gowon University, President Tinubu dissolved the entire governing council and relieved Professor Aisha Sani Maikudi of her duties as Vice-Chancellor.

“Senator Lanre Tejuoso, currently Pro-Chancellor of the University of Agriculture, Makurdi, has been appointed Pro-Chancellor of Yakubu Gowon University. He will be succeeded in Makurdi by Senator Joy Emordi, now pro-chancellor of Alvan Ikoku University of Education.

“To succeed Maikudi, President Tinubu appointed Professor Lar Patricia Manko as Acting Vice Chancellor at Yakubu Gowon University for a six-month term. She will not be eligible to apply for the substantive Vice Chancellor position when it becomes available.

“In addition, President Tinubu has removed Professor Polycarp Emeka Chigbu from his position as Acting Vice-Chancellor at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), before his tenure ends on February 14.”

Tinubu signs bill establishing Federal University in Ogoni

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has officially signed into law the bill establishing the Federal University of Environment and Technology, Ogoni.

The signing ceremony took place on Monday at the State House, with President Tinubu joined by key officials, including Senator Mpigi Barinada, National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, Minister of Education, and other senior government figures.

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The presidency confirmed the development through a statement shared on its X platform, highlighting the significance of the new university.

The statement emphasized that the establishment of the institution fulfills a promise made by President Tinubu to address the environmental and educational needs of the Ogoni people.

Tinubu signs bill establishing Federal University in Ogoni