The Federal Government has announced plans to discontinue the policy separating the administration of Junior Secondary Schools (JSS) and Senior Secondary Schools (SSS), citing its negative impact on students’ progression and the growing rate of school dropouts across the country.
The Minister of Education, Dr. Olatunji Alausa, disclosed the development on Tuesday in Abuja, stating that the policy, which established separate management structures for junior and senior secondary schools, has not delivered the intended improvements in Nigeria’s education system.
According to the minister, the arrangement has created avoidable administrative challenges that hinder the smooth transition of students from Junior Secondary School to Senior Secondary School. He noted that a significant number of learners who successfully complete JSS are unable to continue into SSS, describing the trend as a serious concern that requires urgent government intervention.
To address the issue, Alausa directed relevant departments within the Federal Ministry of Education to prepare a comprehensive position paper for presentation to the National Council on Education (NCE). The document will serve as the basis for reviewing and ultimately discontinuing the existing separation policy.
The minister explained that the proposed reform is part of the Federal Government’s broader efforts to improve access to quality education, reduce dropout rates, and ensure a more seamless academic progression for students across the country.
In a related development, Alausa inaugurated a committee tasked with fast-tracking the completion and operationalisation of Smart Schools, Bilingual Schools, and Alternative Schools established by the Federal Government.
He said the committee’s responsibilities include removing implementation bottlenecks, coordinating project delivery, ensuring adequate staffing, providing essential learning facilities, and making sure completed schools are fully functional for students.
The minister emphasised that government-funded educational institutions should not remain abandoned or underutilised, stressing that every completed school left idle represents a missed opportunity to expand access to education and improve learning outcomes for Nigerian children.
He expressed confidence that all Federal Government-funded Smart Schools and Bilingual Schools would become operational before the end of the year, adding that the administration remains committed to delivering measurable improvements in the quality and accessibility of education nationwide.
ALSO READ: FG Approves Major NYSC Reforms, Extends Orientation Camp to Six Weeks
The proposed policy review is expected to strengthen continuity within the secondary education system while supporting the government’s ongoing education reforms aimed at improving student retention, educational outcomes, and national development.
