AECBEIN Faults Common Entrance Exams Calls for Full 1-9-3-4 Education Policy Enforcement

The Association of Early Childhood and Basic Education Instructors in Nigeria (AECBEIN) has called on the Federal Government to fully enforce the 1-9-3-4 education system across the country, warning that poor public awareness of the policy has allowed schools to exploit parents through unnecessary fees and outdated examination practices.

In a statement released on May 24, the association launched a nationwide sensitisation campaign aimed at educating Nigerians on the structure and benefits of the education framework, which was officially adopted by the National Council on Education in 2013.

According to AECBEIN, the policy provides for one year of early childhood education, nine years of compulsory basic education, three years of senior secondary education, and four years of tertiary education.

The association explained that under the system, basic education is designed to be a continuous nine-year programme, making common entrance examinations after primary six unnecessary.

AECBEIN stated that the continued use of common entrance examinations for transition into junior secondary school contradicts the national education policy and places avoidable financial pressure on parents.

“The transition from middle basic education to upper basic education is expected to occur through continuous assessment and internal school processes within the same basic education framework. The common entrance examination after primary six is no longer necessary within basic education,” the statement read.

The body further noted that the lack of public awareness about the policy has encouraged schools to impose unlawful charges on parents through registration fees, extra coaching classes, and the issuance of primary school leaving certificates that no longer hold significant relevance within the national framework.

AECBEIN clarified that the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE), conducted at the end of Junior Secondary School 3, is now the major recognised certification point within the basic education structure.

The association warned that forcing parents to pay for outdated certificates and unnecessary examinations undermines public trust and increases the financial burden on families.

“Schools should avoid imposing excessive or unnecessary charges on parents for certificates that no longer serve as major transition requirements within the national framework,” the statement added.

AECBEIN also appealed to the Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, as well as State Ministries of Education and State Universal Basic Education Boards, to intensify public enlightenment campaigns and ensure strict monitoring of schools engaging in non-compliant practices.

The association stressed that the objectives of the 1-9-3-4 reform — including accessibility, continuity, affordability, and educational efficiency — can only be achieved if citizens are properly informed and schools are effectively regulated.

It recommended nationwide awareness campaigns through radio, television, and digital media, alongside clearer implementation guidelines for both public and private schools.

AECBEIN also urged employers and recruitment agencies to update their documentation requirements by prioritising BECE results and secondary school certificates instead of relying heavily on primary school leaving certificates.

Parents were equally advised to demand transparency in school fee structures and report exploitative practices to relevant education authorities.