Onoh, Hails FG’s Move to End JSS/SSS Separation

Former South East spokesman to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Chairman of the Forum of Former Members of Enugu State House of Assembly, Denge Josef Onoh, has commended the Federal Government’s decision to phase out the separation of Junior Secondary Schools from Senior Secondary Schools.

In a statement issued to journalists, Onoh described the policy shift, announced by Minister of Education Dr. Olatunji Alausa, as a “courageous and visionary move” that corrects a reform he said has contributed to high dropout rates across the country.

“For too long, the artificial division between JSS and SSS has created unnecessary administrative bottlenecks, disrupted learning continuity, and placed undue stress on students and parents alike,” Onoh said.

He argued that reintegrating both levels under a unified secondary education framework shows “genuine commitment to tackling systemic failures” in the sector. “This policy reversal is not merely administrative. It is a student-centred reform that prioritises access, retention, and successful completion of secondary education,” he added.

Onoh said the initiative would reduce dropout rates by ensuring a seamless transition from JSS to SSS and removing “disruptions and uncertainties” that push children out of school.

He also cited improved learning outcomes, noting that unified administration would promote “better curriculum continuity, stronger teacher coordination, and more effective monitoring of student progress across the six-year secondary cycle.”

On resources, Onoh said merging the two levels will allow “optimal deployment of teachers, infrastructure, and funding,” while reducing duplication and waste in school management.

He stressed that the policy would particularly benefit children from vulnerable and low-income families by removing structural barriers to education. A more robust secondary system, he said, will “produce better-prepared graduates ready to excel in tertiary institutions and contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s socio-economic growth.”

Onoh commended Dr. Alausa for pragmatic leadership and willingness to confront difficult but necessary reforms. He called the announcement a “refreshing shift towards policies driven by evidence, practicality, and the genuine interest of Nigerian children rather than outdated ideologies.”

He urged state governments, school administrators, teachers, parents, and development partners to support the Federal Government for smooth implementation.

“The future of Nigeria depends on the quality of education it provides to our children. And today’s announcement is a bold and positive step in the right direction,” Onoh said.