ABUJA, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)-A former governorship candidate of the Action Alliance in Imo State, Uche Nwosu, has praised the Federal Government’s decision to abolish the separation between Junior Secondary School and Senior Secondary School, describing the reform as a timely measure that could reduce school dropouts and expand access to education.
Nwosu’s reaction followed the Federal Government’s announcement that it would end the long-standing “disarticulation policy” separating JSS and SSS and replace it with a seamless 12-year basic education system after official data showed that more than 20 million pupils drop out before reaching senior secondary school.
The Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, announced the policy on Tuesday in Abuja, saying the current structure had failed to achieve its intended objectives and had contributed to poor transition rates from primary to secondary education.
In a statement issued in Abuja on Thursday, Nwosu described the reform as timely, progressive and necessary to address the growing problem of school dropouts in the country.
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According to him, the policy offers a practical solution to the alarming number of Nigerian children who leave school before completing their secondary education, adding that uninterrupted access to learning would strengthen the country’s human capital development.
He said, “This is one of the most important educational reforms in recent times. By creating a seamless twelve-year learning structure, the Federal Government has demonstrated commitment to reducing barriers that have hindered many children from completing their education.”
Nwosu said the policy would be particularly beneficial to children in rural communities and those from economically disadvantaged families, who often face challenges transitioning from junior to senior secondary school.
The former governorship candidate also applauded the Minister of Education, Dr Olatunji Alausa, for what he described as his unwavering commitment, visionary leadership and dedication to repositioning Nigeria’s education sector.
He said the minister had demonstrated courage and innovation in pursuing reforms aimed at improving access, quality and continuity within the nation’s education system.
Nwosu urged state governments, education stakeholders and parents to support the implementation of the reform, stressing that education remains the foundation for national growth and sustainable development.
He further commended the Federal Government for taking proactive steps to strengthen the education sector and align Nigeria’s educational structure with global standards.
He expressed confidence that, if properly implemented, the reform would significantly reduce the number of out-of-school children while equipping young Nigerians with better skills and opportunities for the future.
Nwosu also welcomed the Federal Government’s approval of a comprehensive overhaul of the National Youth Service Corps, describing it as a timely initiative to reposition the scheme as a skills-driven, productivity-focused and youth-empowering institution in line with President Bola Tinubu’s vision of building a $1tn economy.
According to him, the reform would better prepare Nigerian graduates with practical skills, encourage entrepreneurship and boost their contribution to national development.
While commending the initiative, Nwosu advised the Federal Government to retain the military orientation component of the NYSC, stressing that it remains vital for promoting discipline, patriotism and national unity among corps members.
He also warned against allowing political interests to compromise the integrity of the scheme, urging the government to shield the NYSC from political interference in order to preserve its original mandate of promoting national cohesion and youth development.
The Federal Government said it decided to abolish the JSS-SSS separation policy after findings revealed that only about 15,000 junior secondary schools currently cater to more than 80,000 public primary schools nationwide, creating a major gap in learners transition to secondary education.
According to Alausa, the policy has resulted in overcrowded junior secondary schools, underutilised senior secondary facilities and rising dropout rates.
He added that the proposal would be presented to the National Council on Education for approval as part of broader efforts to improve access to quality education and address Nigeria’s out-of-school children crisis.