The Federal Government has announced plans to end the administrative and physical separation between Junior Secondary School (JSS) and Senior Secondary School (SSS) as part of reforms aimed at strengthening Nigeria's education system and reducing the number of out-of-school children.

Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, disclosed the policy on Tuesday, explaining that the reform is designed to create a seamless learning pathway from primary education through secondary school, allowing students to progress without unnecessary interruptions.

According to the minister, the existing separation between JSS and SSS has contributed to the country's education challenges, with more than 20 million Nigerian children reportedly dropping out before completing basic education.

Alausa noted that Nigeria currently has about 80,000 public primary schools but only 15,000 junior secondary schools, resulting in overcrowded JSS facilities while many senior secondary school facilities remain underutilised. He said integrating the system would improve access to education, ease the transition between school levels, and enhance learning outcomes.

The minister added that the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) has been directed to coordinate the implementation and monitoring of the reform nationwide to ensure a smooth transition.

The Ministry of Education, however, clarified that the policy does not abolish Nigeria's 6-3-3-4 education structure. Rather, it removes the administrative and physical barriers between junior and senior secondary education, enabling students to continue their education more seamlessly within the same school system.

The reform forms part of the Federal Government's broader efforts to improve educational access, address the out-of-school children crisis, and provide uninterrupted learning opportunities for Nigerian pupils.

Education stakeholders have welcomed the initiative as a step toward improving retention and continuity in the education sector. However, many have stressed that the success of the policy will depend on adequate funding, improved infrastructure, teacher recruitment, curriculum development, and effective implementation across all states.

If successfully implemented, the reform is expected to strengthen Nigeria's education system while creating a more inclusive and efficient pathway for millions of learners across the country.