The Nigerian Federal Government has identified a severe educational crisis, reporting that over 20 million children who start primary school fail to transition into senior secondary education. Education Minister Dr. Tunji Alausa announced that the government plans to abolish the disarticulation policy, which currently keeps Junior Secondary Schools and Senior Secondary Schools separate. The minister noted that this failed policy has caused massive overcrowding in junior schools while senior schools remain underused, creating a significant barrier to student progress.
During the inauguration of the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) Ministerial Implementation and Monitoring Committee in Abuja, Dr. Alausa stated that the current administration is committed to reversing these trends. He criticized the previous reliance on creating administrative structures rather than focusing on student needs. This policy shift will be brought before the National Council on Education for formal approval.
Furthermore, Dr. Alausa tasked a new committee led by Professor Rashid Aderinoye with finalizing and opening various Smart, Bilingual, and Alternative Schools that have remained idle despite significant public funding. UBEC Executive Secretary Aisha Garba noted that while 37 Smart Schools are in development and several bilingual facilities are near completion, many have yet to be utilized for learning. Professor Aderinoye committed the committee to overcoming these bureaucratic delays to ensure that educational facilities effectively serve the nation’s children.
