Denge Josef Onoh, a former spokesman for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and leader of the Enugu State House of Assembly Former Members Forum, has praised the federal administration’s initiative to end the separation of Junior Secondary Schools (JSS) and Senior Secondary Schools (SSS). In a formal statement, Onoh identified the policy shift announced by Education Minister Dr. Olatunji Alausa as a bold and necessary correction to previous reforms that exacerbated student dropout rates.
Onoh explained that the existing divide between JSS and SSS levels has historically caused administrative delays and interrupted the educational journey for many students. By reuniting these levels under one cohesive framework, the government is tackling core obstacles within the national school system. He emphasized that this student-focused approach will increase retention and ensure that children complete their secondary education without unnecessary obstacles.
The policy is expected to improve academic performance by fostering a smoother transition for students, allowing for better curriculum alignment and teacher collaboration across the full six-year cycle. Onoh noted that the unified model also allows for more efficient management of school resources, including infrastructure and funding, which will ultimately benefit students from lower-income backgrounds. He encouraged state governments and stakeholders to collaborate on the implementation of this program to secure a better educational future for Nigerian students.
