The Federal Government says it plans to scrap and phase out the policy that separates the administration of Junior Secondary Schools (JSS) from Senior Secondary Schools (SSS). Education Minister Dr. Tunji/ Olatunji Alausa announces the move in Abuja, during the inauguration of a Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) ministerial implementation and monitoring committee. The government links the policy to rising dropout rates, pointing to estimates that about 20 million pupils leave school between primary education and JSS. Sources also cite a mismatch in school availability, including a reported shortage of junior secondary schools compared with primary schools, which contributes to overcrowded classrooms. At the same time, some senior secondary schools are described as underutilised in parts of the country, including Kaduna and other northern states. Alausa says the “disarticulation” approach has failed because it separates principals and facilities for the two levels, and that ending it will improve access to education and increase progression from JSS to senior secondary school. The minister adds that the proposal will be presented at the next meeting of the National Council on Education.