The policy was unveiled last week as part of efforts to standardize education across private and non-governmental institutions.
The Federal Ministry of Education has introduced a new policy setting the entry age into Junior Secondary School at 12 years for pupils in non-state schools, after completing six years of primary education.
The policy was unveiled last week as part of efforts to standardize education across private and non-governmental institutions.
Non-state schools, often privately run by individuals or organisations, have experienced rapid growth across Nigeria. The ministry acknowledged that these institutions are playing an increasing role in education delivery, despite quality discrepancies.
“Children shall be admitted into Junior Secondary School (JSS1) when they have completed six (6) years of primary education, at around the age of twelve (12) years,” the document stated. Nursery and kindergarten enrolment will also follow a structured age system beginning at age three.
The policy comes amid debates on university entry age, with implications that students will now complete secondary school at 18. Recent data shows non-state schools outpace public schools in growth across most states.