The Nigeria Union of Academics (NUT) has dismissed the proposed 12-4 schooling system as an ineffective answer to Nigeria’s schooling challenges, emphasizing that insufficient funding stays the first problem.
NUT President, Mr. Audu Amba, made this assertion throughout the Union’s 2025 Solemn Meeting on Thursday in Abuja, stressing that the true problem lies in poor {financial} help slightly than the construction of the system.
Amba said that the talk over totally different schooling constructions, whether or not 6-3-3-4, 9-3-3, or the proposed 12-4, doesn’t tackle the foundation reason behind Nigeria’s failing schooling sector.
“Whether or not it’s 6-3-3-4, 9-3-3, or 12-4, the elemental problem is funding.
“How dedicated is the federal government to funding this method to keep away from points like frequent strikes?” Amba mentioned.
He additional known as for an inclusive dialogue amongst stakeholders to develop a sustainable and efficient schooling system.
Amba highlighted the poor state of infrastructure in public colleges, revealing that academics and college students usually work with outdated services and lack important assets.
“Academics in public colleges usually have to purchase their very own supplies, equivalent to chalk, to hold out their duties.”
He reiterated the Union’s demand for higher {financial} dedication to schooling, arguing that correct funding would enhance each studying circumstances and academics’ welfare.
The Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, just lately proposed a transition to a 12-year fundamental schooling system, a shift from the present 9-3-4 mannequin to a 12-4 construction to align Nigeria’s schooling system with international requirements and improve studying outcomes.
“A 12-year fundamental schooling mannequin will guarantee a steady, uninterrupted curriculum, selling higher standardisation and fostering high quality assurance within the schooling system.
“It’s going to additionally assure that college students obtain a extra complete and steady studying expertise, enhance academic outcomes, and contribute to a extra educated populace that drives Nigeria’s {economic} growth.”
One other vital subject raised on the assembly was the prevailing coverage requiring college students to be at the least 16 years outdated earlier than gaining admission into tertiary establishments.
Non secular leaders on the occasion additionally weighed in on the position of academics and the necessity for presidency help.
Nama emphasised the significance of training and guiding college students in a altering world, urging academics to instill ethical values in kids.
