FG Set To Phase Out JSS And SSS Separation System

The Federal Government has unveiled plans to scrap the existing policy separating Junior Secondary Schools (JSS) from Senior Secondary Schools (SSS), citing concerns over rising school dropout rates across the country.

According to Ireporter Online, the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, made this known on Tuesday in Abuja during the inauguration of the Universal Basic Education Commission Ministerial Implementation and Monitoring Committee.

Alausa explained that the disarticulation policy—which mandates JSS and SSS to operate as separate institutions with distinct administrators and facilities—has not achieved its intended goals.

He raised concern over what he described as a widening gap in the education system, noting that millions of pupils are lost between primary school and junior secondary education, while the number of junior secondary schools remains far lower than primary schools nationwide.

The minister stressed that the imbalance has led to overcrowded junior secondary schools, while many senior secondary schools remain underutilised, describing the policy as ineffective.

He stated that the Federal Government would begin the process of phasing out the arrangement, adding that the priority is to strengthen the education system rather than sustain administrative structures that do not benefit learners.

Alausa further disclosed that the proposal will be presented at the next meeting of the National Council on Education for consideration and approval.

He emphasized that the reform is aimed at expanding access to quality education and improving overall learning outcomes across the country.

The minister also inaugurated a committee headed by Prof. Rashid Aderinoye to supervise UBEC-funded Smart Schools, Bilingual Schools, and Alternative Schools.

He charged the committee with ensuring timely completion of projects, their handover to state governments, and full commencement of academic activities, lamenting that several of the facilities remain uncompleted or unused despite significant public investment.