FG, NUT, ANCOPPS to meet Wednesday over proposed 12 years basic education

The Federal Government is set to meet with the Nigeria Union of Teachers and the All Nigeria Confederation of Principals of Secondary Schools on Wednesday to discuss the proposal by the Minister of Education, Mr. Tunji Alausa, to extend basic education to 12 years.

The proposal aims to integrate junior and senior secondary education into a single continuous programme

According to The Punch report, the National President of ANCOPPS, Mr. Musa Ibrahim, clarified that minister had put forward the idea, adding “it had not yet been enacted into law.

“The minister has made a proposal, but it’s not a law yet. He has simply suggested it, and we haven’t had the chance to discuss it thoroughly. We’re not backing or rejecting this policy change just yet. What we need to do is look at the blueprint, whether it’s 12 years, nine years, or 10 years—it all depends”.

Ibrahim disclosed that the Wednesday meeting in Abuja would provide an opportunity for deeper discussions.

“We’re heading to Abuja on Wednesday for a meeting, and once we’ve had our discussions, I’ll be sure to brief you on the outcome,” he added.

Also, the National President of the Nigeria Union of Teachers, Mr. Audu Amber, stressed the need for further analysis before making any definitive comments.

“Thank God you said it’s a proposal. Since the day before yesterday, I’ve not been talking because all the media houses, both print and broadcast, have been calling me for our comment. I don’t want to comment now because until I get the full picture and intentions of the government, I can’t speak on it,” Amber said.

He noted that the issue required careful examination, given its national significance.

“This is a national issue, and before one should make a comment, one should be able to analyse it. By tomorrow, I’ll be in the office. We will put our heads together, and then I’ll have the opportunity to make comments,” he added.

Meanwhile, the National Chairman of the Parent-Teacher Association, Haruna Danjuma, expressed support for the proposal, describing it as a move that could reduce student dropout rates and improve skill acquisition among learners.