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 role in increasing student dropout rates and hindering seamless progression through the education system.
The Minister of Education, Dr. Olatunji Alausa, who disclosed this on Tuesday in Abuja, described the initiative as ineffective. While stating that it has created unnecessary administrative bottlenecks rather than improving secondary education.
According to him, millions of students expected to transition from JSS to SSS end up dropping out, unable due to the arrangements, a development he described as unacceptable.
Addressing the issue, Alausa directed officials of the Federal Ministry of Education to prepare a position paper for presentation to the National Council on Education (NCE), paving the way for a review and eventual discontinuation of the policy.
The minister further inaugurated a committee tasked with ensuring that Smart Schools, Bilingual Schools and Alternative Schools across the country become fully operational.
He explained that the committee would accelerate project implementation, eliminate bureaucratic delays and ensure government-funded schools are completed, adequately equipped, properly staffed and opened to students.
Alausa stressed that no publicly funded educational facility should remain abandoned or underutilised. While noting that every completed school left unused represents a missed opportunity for Nigerian children.
He added that the Federal Government is targeting the full operation of all Smart Schools and Bilingual Schools before the end of the year while prioritising measurable improvements in learning outcomes nationwide.
By Musekir Faisat Omolara
