Evolution of Junior Secondary Schools in Nigeria: Issues and Insights

Abstract

Junior Secondary School was evolved as a result of introducing of 6-3-3-4 system of education in Nigeria. It is post primacy education and first stage or stage I of secondary education. Recently, the FG re-launches Universal Basic Education Programme to cater to both primary and junior secondary school. The paper attempts to look at the nature and objectives, management, curriculum development and transformation, teacher education and training, continuous  assessment, challenges, and prospects of Junior Secondary Schools in Nigeria. The paper concluded that JSS education should be free and compulsory for every child, as it remains the bridge between primary and senior secondary schools of various fields and equips a child to acquire permanent literacy, communication and numeracy skills expected to be a functional member of the society. The paper also recommended that JSS education should be properly managed and funded to achieve its objectives, JSS certificate should be awarded to candidates that successfully finish and sit for placement examinations and JSCE should be used for gaining admission into senior secondary schools, as applicable to SSCE in higher institutions. Separate commission should be established for management and supervision of JSS education, JSS Certificates should be highly recognized, and external examination bodies should be established to certify / award certificate to JSS as Junior Secondary Certificate Examination (JSCE) among others.