Nigeria to scrap failed education policy as 20m children drop out

Nigeria faces a critical education crisis, with over 20 million children failing to progress from primary to senior secondary school. The Federal Government has announced plans to abolish the "disarticulation policy," which separates junior and senior secondary schools, deeming it a failure that exacerbates the problem of out-of-school children.

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We have over 20 million children dropping out between primary school and junior secondary school. Where are those students?

Education Minister Dr. Tunji Alausa revealed the staggering figures in Abuja, explaining that the policy has led to overcrowded junior secondary schools and underutilized senior secondary facilities. He stated that successive governments had failed to address this issue, but the current administration is committed to reversing the trend and ensuring a seamless transition for students.

"We have over 20 million children dropping out between primary school and junior secondary school. Where are those students?" Alausa questioned. He cited evidence from northern states where the policy created unnecessary administrative structures at the expense of students' educational progress. The minister emphasized that the focus must be on what is best for every Nigerian child.

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The previous governments may have failed in this regard, but this government will not fail. We are fixing this. We need to create more opportunities for children to move seamlessly through the education system.

The proposal to abolish the disarticulation policy will be presented to the National Council on Education for formal consideration. Additionally, a committee chaired by education expert Prof. Rashid Aderinoye has been inaugurated to accelerate the completion and operationalization of hundreds of "Smart Schools," Bilingual Schools, and Alternative Schools funded by the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC).

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We have overflowing junior secondary schools and empty senior secondary schools. I can objectively report today that this disarticulation policy has failed. We will phase it out. We cannot continue creating administrative positions while damaging our education system. It is about doing what is best for every Nigerian child.