The new guideline, introduced last week, mandates that children must complete six years of primary education and attain the age of 12 before being enrolled into JSS1. The policy aims to standardize age-appropriate learning progression across private and independent schools nationwide.

Non-State Schools commonly known as private or independent institutions are run independently of government management and are typically funded through tuition fees, donations, and support from religious, community, or philanthropic organizations. Despite their varying standards, they play a growing role in Nigeria’s educational landscape.

The document reiterates the structure of early childhood and basic education, setting a three-year timeline for nursery education beginning at age three, followed by one year of compulsory kindergarten at age five. Primary education is to begin at age six and last for six years before transition into junior secondary level.

“Every child must complete six years of primary education and be around the age of twelve before being admitted into Junior Secondary School 1,” the policy stated.

This structured age progression, if enforced, means students would typically enter tertiary institutions at around age 18, a shift from current trends where much younger candidates often seek university admission. This policy echoes earlier debates over the ideal minimum age for university entry, previously set at 18 by former Education Minister Prof. Tahir Mamman before it was revised to 16 by his successor, Dr. Tunji Alausa.

Further data from the Nigeria Education Digest 2022 shows a rapid expansion of non-state schools in recent years. Between 2017 and 2022, non-state primary schools grew by over 31%, compared to just 3.3% growth among state-owned schools. At the junior secondary level, private school numbers surged by 35%, while public schools expanded by only 6.8%.

In at least 26 states, non-state schools outnumber their public counterparts at the junior secondary level, illustrating the sector’s growing influence.

This latest policy is part of a broader effort by the Federal Government to improve education quality and regulation in private institutions, ensuring that learning is not only accessible but also aligned with developmental needs.

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Now, in a renewed push, the Federal Government is set to resume work on the long-abandoned project in June. The approach will be phased to ensure steady progress.

Originally conceived in 1981, construction began in 2006 under former President Olusegun Obasanjo. The project had an initial budget of N8.9 billion with a 22-month completion timeline. However, work stalled in 2012, leaving the massive structure on Plot 35, Cadastral Business District in the Federal Capital Territory in a state of neglect.

During a recent inspection of the site, Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, assured Nigerians that the Tinubu administration is committed to completing the project. He was accompanied by National Librarian, Prof. Chinwe Anunobi, senior directors from the Federal Ministry of Education, and project consultants. Although he did not provide a specific completion date, he confirmed that the initial focus would be on Basement Levels One and Two, the ground floor, first and second floors, and external works.

Alausa acknowledged that the cost of completion has risen significantly. Recent estimates suggest that it could require hundreds of billions of Naira. A few years ago, the contractor had quoted around N90 billion. However, the government is now implementing an innovative funding strategy to ensure progress.

To support this, President Tinubu has directed the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) to release funds for the first phase of construction. While awaiting a final cost estimate from consultants, Alausa assured that there are sufficient funds to complete this phase. The government aims to ensure that the National Library fulfills its role as a vital educational and research hub.

The project was initially awarded to Reynolds Construction Company and was meant to be a symbol of Nigeria’s intellectual and academic heritage. However, years of neglect have turned it into a glaring example of failed infrastructure projects. Many Nigerians still question whether it will ever be completed.

Alausa’s announcement has rekindled hope, but skepticism remains high due to past unfulfilled promises. The coming months will be crucial in determining whether this long-delayed initiative will finally be completed or become yet another unfinished government venture.

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