Olatunji Alausa, the minister of Education
Nigeria is looking to Malaysia’s 12-year basic education system as a model for its proposed education reforms. Tunji Alausa, Nigeria’s Minister of Education, recently announced plans to introduce a 12-year basic education policy, which would eliminate the distinction between junior and secondary school classes and create an uninterrupted basic education framework.

“A 12-year basic education model will ensure a continuous, uninterrupted curriculum, promoting better standardization and fostering quality assurance in the education system,” Alausa stated.

He emphasized that integrating secondary education into a 12-year basic education system is a necessary step toward building a more inclusive, equitable, and globally competitive education system. “It is time for us to embrace this reform to secure the future of our children and, ultimately, the prosperity of our nation,” he added.

The Malaysian Model

Nigeria’s proposed reforms draw inspiration from Malaysia’s education system, which places a strong emphasis on technical and vocational education. Malaysia’s education structure is divided into five stages: preschool, primary, secondary, post-secondary, and tertiary education.

The Malaysian system is designed to equip students with the knowledge, skills, and values needed for success in their careers and personal lives. At the secondary level, students can choose between academic, technical/vocational, or religious education. Post-secondary education offers one- or two-year college preparatory programs for students aiming to pursue higher education.

Malaysia’s education system is heavily subsidized to support low-income families, with quotas in place to protect the interests of the racial majority. The country also prioritizes technical education, offering training programs, short-term courses, and scholarships to eligible students through public and private institutions.

According to researchers Juliana Janjang, Aida Hamid, and Mohammed Yusoff Mohd Nor, Malaysia’s compulsory education policy, implemented since 2003, currently covers six years of primary schooling. However, the country is considering extending this period to align with global standards, which typically mandate 8 to 12 years of compulsory education.

Despite its successes, Malaysia’s 12-year compulsory education policy faces challenges, including financial constraints, school-related issues, difficulties in managing children’s education, and challenges faced by students themselves, as highlighted in a UKM Journal Article Repository study.

Analysts Stress Proper Implementation

Nubi Achebo, Director of Academic Planning at the Nigeria University of Technology and Management (NUTM), acknowledged that while the 12-year basic education policy is a positive step, its success hinges on effective implementation.

“This change seeks to standardize the curriculum, reduce dropout rates, and better prepare students for higher education or employment,” Achebo said. He emphasized that policymakers must invest significantly in teacher training and resources to ensure the model’s success.

Jessica Osuere, CEO of RubbiesHub Educational Services, urged the government to clarify what it means by an “uninterrupted education system” under the 12-year policy. She stressed that any adopted policy must align with global best practices, emphasizing digital literacy, vocational education, and competency-based learning.

“Nigeria must ensure it has the resources to implement this initiative effectively and address skills gaps, equipping students to compete favorably with their global counterparts,” Osuere said. She added that the focus should be on developing a curriculum that prepares children for the challenges of an ever-changing world.

Criticism and Calls for Funding

However, not all stakeholders are convinced that a new education model is the solution to Nigeria’s challenges. Audu Amba, President of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), argued that the country’s education sector needs adequate funding and improved working conditions for teachers rather than a change in model.

“Whether it’s 6-3-3-4, 9-3-3, or 12-4, the fundamental issue is funding. How committed is the government to funding this system to avoid issues like frequent strikes?” Amba questioned.

Conclusion

While Nigeria’s proposed 12-year basic education policy aims to modernize and improve the country’s education system, its success will depend on careful planning, adequate funding, and a commitment to addressing the systemic challenges that have long plagued the sector.