FG Launches Committee to Fast-Track Smart, Bilingual and Alternative Schools, Plans to End JSS–SSS Separation

 

ABUJA, Nigeria – The Federal Government has inaugurated a Ministerial Implementation and Monitoring Committee under the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) to accelerate the delivery of Smart Schools, Bilingual Schools and Alternative Schools across Nigeria.

The initiative is aimed at ensuring that government investments in basic education translate into fully operational schools that provide quality learning outcomes for Nigerian children.

Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, said the committee's success will be measured by the number of schools that become fully functional and actively educate children. He stressed that education remains a key priority under the Renewed Hope Agenda and that every intervention must produce measurable results.

The Minister explained that:

• Smart Schools will equip students with digital and technological skills needed for the modern economy.
• Bilingual Schools will promote language inclusion, national integration and improved learning outcomes.
• Alternative Schools will expand access to education for vulnerable groups, especially girls and out-of-school children.

Dr. Alausa also directed the committee to work with UBEC, state governments and education stakeholders to complete unfinished school projects, provide furniture and learning facilities, deploy teachers and ensure schools become fully operational.

In a major policy announcement, the Minister revealed that the Federal Government intends to phase out the policy separating Junior Secondary Schools (JSS) from Senior Secondary Schools (SSS). The proposal will be presented before the National Council on Education as part of broader reforms aimed at reducing overcrowding in junior secondary schools, making better use of senior secondary facilities and lowering school dropout rates.

Speaking on behalf of the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Education, Dr. Folake Davis reaffirmed the Ministry's commitment to supporting the implementation of the committee's mandate and thanked UBEC, state governments and development partners for their continued collaboration.

UBEC Executive Secretary, Hajiya Aisha Garba, disclosed that:

• 37 Smart Schools have been established nationwide, with 24 already operational.
• 30 Bilingual Schools are currently being developed across nine states through a partnership between UBEC and the Islamic Development Bank.
• The Alternative Schools Programme continues to expand learning opportunities for out-of-school children through flexible and inclusive education models.

Chairman of the Implementation Committee, Professor Rashid Adewumi Aderinoye, pledged that the committee would operate with professionalism, transparency and accountability to ensure government investments produce sustainable improvements in Nigeria's education sector.