•Hails education policy, urges states to support implementation
• Seeks retention of NYSC military orientation
Sunday Aborisade in Abuja
Former Chief of Staff to the former Governor of Imo State, Uche Nwosu, has thrown his weight behind the federal government’s decision to replace the existing separation between Junior Secondary School (JSS) and Senior Secondary School (SSS) with a continuous 12-year basic education structure, describing the policy as one of the most significant education reforms in recent years.
Reacting to the policy announced by the Federal Ministry of Education, Nwosu said the reform would help tackle the country’s growing school dropout crisis by eliminating transition barriers that prevent many pupils from completing secondary education.
He argued that the uninterrupted learning framework would strengthen Nigeria’s human capital development and expand access to education, particularly for children from rural communities and low-income families.
“This is one of the most important educational reforms in recent times. By creating a seamless twelve-year learning structure, the federal government has demonstrated commitment to reducing barriers that have hindered many children from completing their education,” Nwosu said.
According to him, millions of Nigerian children currently fail to complete secondary education because of challenges associated with the transition between junior and senior secondary schools, making the new policy both timely and necessary.
Nwosu also praised the Minister of Education, Olatunji Alausa, for what he described as visionary leadership in driving reforms aimed at improving access, quality and continuity in the nation’s education system.
“The minister has shown remarkable courage and innovation in pursuing reforms that will reposition Nigeria’s education sector and make it more responsive to the country’s developmental needs,” he said.
He urged state governments, education stakeholders and parents to support the implementation of the policy, stressing that education remains the foundation for national growth and sustainable development.
Nwosu further commended the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what he described as proactive efforts to strengthen the education sector and align Nigeria’s educational system with global standards.
He expressed optimism that effective implementation of the reform would significantly reduce the number of out-of-school children while equipping young Nigerians with better skills and opportunities for the future.
The former Imo government official also welcomed the federal government’s approval of a comprehensive overhaul of the National Youth Service Corps, describing the initiative as a timely move to transform the scheme into a skills-driven, productivity-focused and youth-empowering institution capable of supporting the administration’s economic aspirations.
He said the proposed reforms would better prepare Nigerian graduates with practical skills, encourage entrepreneurship and enhance their contribution to national development.
While endorsing the planned changes, Nwosu advised the federal government to retain the military orientation component of the NYSC programme, arguing that it remains critical for instilling discipline, patriotism and national unity among corps members.
He also cautioned against political interference in the scheme, urging the government to preserve its integrity and original mandate of promoting national cohesion and youth development.