The 12-4 education system and other matters

By Phebe Ejinkeonye-Christian

For decades, Nigeria’s education system has been in dire need of reform. There are outdated models and undertrained teachers. A system that pushes students through school without real preparation for life is not good. Now, the Federal Government has introduced the 12-4 Basic Education Model—a bold shift that could redefine learning in Nigeria. But the real question is this: Will this be just another policy on paper, or will it truly change the game?

I must commend President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for this major step in addressing the cracks in our education system. The strength of any nation lies in the quality of its education, and this new model presents a great opportunity. Extending basic education from 9 to 12 years without breaks means stronger foundational learning, fewer dropouts, and a curriculum that aligns better with global standards. If properly implemented, this could make our students more competitive, both locally and internationally.

But here’s where we must tread carefully. A longer education system does not automatically mean a better one. If we do not fix the root problems of our old system, this 12-4 structure will simply become a longer version of the same struggle.

One of the biggest problems in our schools today is the lack of trained teachers. This is not just about having a degree—it’s about having the right training to teach, guide, and shape young minds. Too many schools, both public and private, are filled with teachers who have no background in education, no knowledge of child psychology, and no real grasp of effective teaching methods. And we wonder why students struggle.

If we want this 12-4 model to work, we must get serious about teacher training and certification. Every teacher in this system should be properly trained, tested, and licensed. No shortcuts. No compromises. A student cannot rise above the quality of the education they receive, and the education they receive depends on the quality of their teachers.

For too long, we have treated vocational and technical education as an afterthought. Every country has its strengths, and Nigeria’s lies in the talents and creativity of its people. But what have we done with this? Instead of equipping students with practical skills, we have built a system that glorifies white-collar jobs and sidelines those with hands-on talents.

This 12-4 model should not repeat that mistake. We need to fully integrate vocational and technical education into this system—not as an optional subject, but as a core part of the curriculum. Our students should graduate not just with certificates, but with real skills—skills that empower them to create, build, and contribute meaningfully to society.

Imagine a Nigeria where students leave secondary school not just knowing theories, but knowing how to do something tangible—from fashion design to coding, from carpentry to robotics. This is how we build a nation that thrives—not just one that survives.

Now, let’s talk about one of the biggest missing pieces in our education system—guidance and mentorship. It’s not enough to teach students subjects and send them off into the world clueless about what to do next. We need a structured system that helps students understand their strengths, explore career paths, and make informed decisions about their future.

I wish such a system had existed when I was younger. It would have saved me from wasting years figuring out the right path. Many Nigerians can relate to this struggle—finishing school only to realize they were never really guided towards their purpose. We must do better for the next generation.

If this 12-4 model is to succeed, we need a mentorship and career guidance structure within it. Students should graduate not just academically, but be personally and professionally aware of where they’re headed to and why.

The 12-4 education model is a welcome development, but its success depends on how well we implement it. Longer schooling is not the solution—better schooling is. If we simply extend the years without fixing the system, we will end up with students who spend more time in school but gain little from it.

The Federal Government must prioritize teacher training, vocational education, and student mentorship if we truly want this reform to count. Otherwise, we will look back years from now and realize that we simply created a longer road to the same destination. Nigeria has an opportunity to get this right. The question is—will we?

• Ejinkeonye-Christian, a certified life coach, and business educator, is the CEO of Phebeon Consulting and Media Solutions Ltd, Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria [+234 (0)-708-048-0510; [email protected]]