The National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools (NAPPS) has called on the Federal Government to subject its proposal to integrate Junior and Senior Secondary education into a continuous six-year programme to rigorous research and broad stakeholder consultation before implementation.
In a position paper signed by its National President, Chief Yomi Otubela, and National Secretary, Evangelist Ajibade Augustine on Wednesday, NAPPS said it welcomed the government’s efforts to improve school retention and reduce the growing number of out-of-school children but stressed that structural reforms alone would not solve Nigeria’s education challenges.
The association noted that the proposal to replace the existing 6-3-3-4 education structure with a continuous six-year secondary school system had generated mixed reactions among educators, school proprietors, parents and other stakeholders.
According to NAPPS, supporters of the proposal believe a seamless six-year secondary education could reduce the number of students who drop out after completing Junior Secondary School, particularly those who fail to proceed to Senior Secondary School due to poverty, informal employment or other distractions.
However, the association argued that the country’s high number of out-of-school children is largely driven by poverty, insecurity, child labour, early marriage, inadequate infrastructure, shortage of qualified teachers and weak enforcement of compulsory education laws.
It warned that unless these underlying issues are addressed, changing the administrative structure of secondary education would have only limited impact.
NAPPS also expressed concern that eliminating the distinction between Junior and Senior Secondary Schools could reduce opportunities for students who prefer technical and vocational education after completing junior secondary school.
It said the current system allows learners to transition into technical colleges, vocational institutions and skill acquisition programmes, providing practical skills for employment, and urged the government to preserve such alternative pathways.
The association further highlighted student welfare concerns, noting that the separation between junior and senior secondary schools has helped reduce bullying by limiting interactions between younger and older students, especially in public schools.
Beyond structural reforms, NAPPS advocated improved teaching quality, enhanced teacher welfare, stronger technical and vocational education, expanded access to secondary education, reduced financial burdens on parents and increased support for vulnerable learners.
It also called for measures to restore public confidence in education by addressing youth unemployment, improving incentives for technical education and making the teaching profession more attractive.
The association urged the Federal Government to recognise private schools as strategic partners in national development, recommending policy support, affordable financing and greater inclusion in education reform initiatives instead of imposing multiple taxes and regulatory burdens.
NAPPS recommended that the government commission comprehensive research backed by reliable national data, international best practices and measurable learning outcomes to determine whether separating Junior and Senior Secondary Schools significantly contributes to school dropout rates.
It also called for extensive consultations involving NAPPS, the Nigeria Union of Teachers, the All Nigeria Confederation of Principals of Secondary Schools, state ministries of education, examination bodies, education researchers, parents, development partners, technical education experts and civil society organisations before any final decision is reached.
The association welcomed complementary initiatives such as the Learner Identification Number and the Digital National Education Management Information System, describing them as important tools for strengthening educational planning, learner tracking and evidence-based policymaking.
NAPPS maintained that while Nigeria urgently requires education reforms, any decision on integrating Junior and Senior Secondary education should be based on credible evidence rather than assumptions.
The association pledged its continued partnership with governments at all levels and other stakeholders to build an education system that is accessible, inclusive, affordable and capable of producing skilled, innovative and responsible citizens for national development.
