Federal Government to Scrap JSS and SSS Separation Policy Over Rising School Dropout Rate

The Federal Government has announced plans to scrap the JSS and SSS separation policy after revealing that more than 20 million pupils dropped out of school before reaching the senior secondary level.

Minister of Education Dr. Tunji Alausa disclosed the decision on Tuesday in Abuja during the inauguration of the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) Ministerial Implementation and Monitoring Committee.

According to the minister, the policy requiring Junior Secondary Schools (JSS) and Senior Secondary Schools (SSS) to operate separately with different principals and facilities has failed to achieve its intended objectives.

Alausa said government data shows a major gap in Nigeria’s education system, noting that while the country has about 80,000 public primary schools, there are only 15,000 junior secondary schools, creating a one-to-eight ratio that has contributed to overcrowding and limited access to secondary education.

He explained that the shortage of junior secondary schools has made it difficult for many pupils to transition from primary education, leading to millions of children dropping out before reaching the senior secondary level.

The minister also noted that while many JSS facilities are overcrowded, several senior secondary schools remain underutilised, particularly in states such as Kaduna and other parts of northern Nigeria.

Describing the current arrangement as ineffective, Alausa said the Federal Government scraps JSS and SSS separation policy because it prioritises the educational needs of Nigerian children over administrative structures.

He added that the proposal to formally abolish the policy will be presented at the next meeting of the National Council on Education for consideration and approval.

As part of broader education reforms, the minister also inaugurated a committee chaired by Prof. Rashid Aderinoye to oversee the implementation and monitoring of UBEC-funded Smart Schools, Bilingual Schools and Alternative Schools across the country.

The committee has been tasked with ensuring that completed projects are handed over to state governments and opened for learning, following concerns that many UBEC-funded schools remain unfinished or have not admitted students despite significant public investment.

Alausa described the situation as an unacceptable waste of public resources and stressed that the current administration is committed to improving access to quality education and reducing the number of out-of-school children.