Onoh, who also chairs the Forum of Former Members of the Enugu State House of Assembly, said the policy signals the Federal Government's determination to improve access to quality education while tackling the persistent problem of student attrition at the secondary school level.
The reform, announced by the Minister of Education, Dr. Olatunji Alausa, seeks to phase out the administrative separation between Junior Secondary School and Senior Secondary School, creating a unified six-year secondary education system aimed at ensuring continuity in learning.
In a statement made available to journalists, Onoh described the decision as both courageous and timely, arguing that the existing structure has over the years created avoidable disruptions that have negatively affected millions of Nigerian students.
According to him, the artificial separation between the two levels of secondary education introduced unnecessary administrative hurdles, interrupted the academic progression of students and imposed additional burdens on parents and school administrators.
He maintained that bringing both levels under a single secondary education framework demonstrates the Federal Government's commitment to implementing practical reforms capable of addressing long-standing structural deficiencies within the nation's education system.
"This policy reversal is not merely administrative; it is a student-centred reform that prioritises access, retention and the successful completion of secondary education," Onoh stated.
He noted that one of the most significant gains of the reform would be the reduction in school dropout rates, explaining that many students have historically failed to make the transition from Junior Secondary School to Senior Secondary School because of administrative bottlenecks, financial constraints and systemic gaps.
Onoh added that a seamless six-year secondary education structure would provide greater curriculum continuity, strengthen collaboration among teachers and improve the monitoring of students' academic development from entry to graduation.
He further argued that the new framework would promote better utilisation of available educational resources by allowing governments and school authorities to deploy teachers, infrastructure and funding more efficiently while eliminating duplication in school administration.
The former presidential spokesman also stressed that children from vulnerable and low-income households stand to benefit immensely from the policy, as it removes structural barriers that have prevented many from completing their secondary education.
He expressed confidence that the initiative would produce graduates who are better prepared for tertiary education and equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to contribute meaningfully to Nigeria's socio-economic growth.
Commending the Minister of Education for what he described as pragmatic and visionary leadership, Onoh said the policy represents a welcome shift towards evidence-based reforms focused on improving learning outcomes and safeguarding the future of Nigerian children.
He urged state governments, school administrators, teachers, parents and development partners to work closely with the Federal Government to ensure the smooth and successful implementation of the initiative across the country.
"The future of Nigeria depends on the quality of education it provides to its children, and today's announcement is a bold and positive step in the right direction," Onoh said.