FG Moves To End JSS-SSS Separation, Launches Committee To Accelerate Smart Schools
FG Unveils Fresh Reforms for Basic Education
THE Federal Government has launched a fresh round of reforms aimed at improving the quality, accessibility and efficiency of Nigeria’s basic education system, announcing plans to phase out the long-standing separation between Junior Secondary Schools (JSS) and Senior Secondary Schools (SSS) while inaugurating a ministerial implementation and monitoring committee to accelerate the delivery of Smart Schools, Bilingual Schools and Alternative Schools nationwide.
Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, unveiled the initiatives during the inauguration of the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) Ministerial Implementation and Monitoring Committee in Abuja, describing the reforms as critical to modernising the country’s education sector and improving learning outcomes.
According to the minister, the effectiveness of the committee will not be measured by the number of projects initiated but by the number of schools that become fully operational, adequately staffed and actively educating children.
Government Targets Completion of UBEC Projects
Alausa expressed concern over the large number of UBEC-funded projects that remain abandoned, incomplete or yet to commence academic activities despite significant public investment.
He directed the committee to work closely with state governments, State Universal Basic Education Boards (SUBEBs), local education authorities and other stakeholders to remove bottlenecks delaying project delivery.
Its mandate includes ensuring the completion of infrastructure, deployment of qualified teachers, provision of learning materials and facilities, as well as increasing enrolment in newly established schools.
The minister stressed that government investments must produce measurable improvements in access to quality education rather than remain dormant infrastructure.
Plan to End JSS-SSS Disarticulation
One of the most significant proposals announced by the minister is the planned discontinuation of the policy separating junior secondary schools from senior secondary schools.
According to Alausa, the existing arrangement has created several structural challenges within the education system, including overcrowding in many junior secondary schools, underutilisation of senior secondary infrastructure and increased school dropout rates as students struggle with the transition between the two levels.
He disclosed that the proposal would be presented at the next National Council on Education meeting, where policymakers from across the federation will deliberate on the reform before implementation.
Education stakeholders have long argued that a more integrated secondary school system could improve continuity, reduce transition barriers and enhance educational planning.
Smart Schools Initiative Expands Nationwide
Providing updates on ongoing projects, UBEC Executive Secretary, Hajiya Aisha Garba, said the commission has established 37 Smart Schools across Nigeria, with 24 already operational.
She explained that the Smart Schools initiative is designed to promote technology-driven learning through modern classrooms, digital teaching tools and improved educational infrastructure.
Garba also revealed that 30 Bilingual Schools are currently being implemented in nine states through a partnership between UBEC and the Islamic Development Bank.
The programme aims to strengthen multilingual education while expanding access to quality learning.
Alternative Schools to Address Out-of-School Crisis
The UBEC Executive Secretary added that the Alternative Schools Programme is providing flexible educational opportunities for children who remain outside the formal school system.
The initiative particularly targets girls, vulnerable children and underserved communities by offering learning models that accommodate diverse social and economic realities.
Responding on behalf of the newly inaugurated committee, its chairman, Professor Rashid Adewumi Aderinoye, pledged to execute the assignment with integrity, transparency and professionalism.
He assured Nigerians that the committee would work to ensure government investments translate into functional schools capable of delivering sustainable improvements in educational access and learning outcomes nationwide.
