Tinubu seeks senate approval for secondary education reform bill

By Henry Umoru

ABUJA — President Bola Tinubu has transmitted the National Secondary Education Commission (Amendment) Bill, 2026 to the Senate, seeking legislative approval for reforms aimed at strengthening the administration and governance of public senior secondary education in Nigeria.

The executive bill was conveyed to the Senate through Senate President Godswill Akpabio, who read the President’s letter during Thursday’s plenary.

According to the letter, the proposed legislation is designed to improve the management of senior secondary education across the country.

President Tinubu stated that the Federal Executive Council (FEC) approved the amendment bill at its meeting on April 30, 2026, after which the Federal Ministry of Justice vetted and finalised it in line with constitutional and legislative drafting requirements.

He said: “The Federal Executive Council approved the amendment bill at its sitting on Thursday, April 30, 2026. The Federal Ministry of Justice subsequently vetted and finalised the bill in line with drafting standards and constitutional provisions.

“In furtherance of this administration’s commitment to strengthening educational institutions in the national interest, the National Secondary Education Commission (Amendment) Bill, 2026 is hereby forwarded for legislative consideration by the National Assembly.”

Following the presentation, Akpabio referred the bill to the Senate Committee on Rules and Business for legislative processing, directing the committee to report back within one week.

The proposed legislation comes amid public discussions over the Federal Government’s education reform agenda, including a proposal announced by the Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, to restructure the country’s basic education system.

The minister had said the proposal is aimed at reducing school dropout rates, simplifying learners’ progression through the education system and ensuring that every child receives 12 years of uninterrupted schooling before proceeding to higher education or vocational training.

Nigeria currently operates the 6-3-3-4 education system, comprising six years of primary education, three years of junior secondary education, three years of senior secondary education and four years of tertiary education.

Education stakeholders have, however, continued to express concerns over challenges affecting pupils’ transition through the education system, including inadequate infrastructure, poverty, insecurity and financial constraints, which they say contribute significantly to school dropout rates.

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