FG moves to scrap JSS, SSS separation policy over rising school dropout rates

The Federal Government has announced plans to scrap the policy separating the administration of Junior Secondary Schools (JSS) and Senior Secondary Schools (SSS), saying it has failed to achieve its purpose.

Minister of Education, Dr. Olatunji Alausa, made the announcement in Abuja, stating that the policy has created administrative bottlenecks and contributed to the growing number of students who fail to transition from JSS to SSS.

According to the minister, millions of students expected to progress into senior secondary school are currently unable to make the transition, making it necessary to review the system.

“The policy has not achieved its objectives. It has created unnecessary bottlenecks and contributed to the increasing number of students who do not transition from Junior Secondary School to Senior Secondary School,” he said.

Alausa directed the Federal Ministry of Education to prepare a position paper for presentation to the National Council on Education (NCE) as part of the process of reviewing and eventually scrapping the policy.

The minister also inaugurated a committee to ensure Smart Schools, Bilingual Schools and Alternative Schools across the country become fully operational.

He said the committee would remove implementation bottlenecks, ensure government-funded schools are completed and properly equipped, and make sure they are adequately staffed and opened to students.

“We cannot continue to have public educational facilities lying idle. Our goal is to ensure all Smart Schools and Bilingual Schools are fully operational before the end of the year,” he added.

The move has sparked discussions among education stakeholders, with many expressing optimism that the proposed reform could improve students’ transition into senior secondary school and strengthen learning outcomes nationwide.