The Federal Government has announced plans to phase out the Common Entrance Examination used for admitting pupils into Junior Secondary School (JSS), replacing it with a Continuous Assessment (CA) system that tracks pupils’ performance throughout their primary education.
The Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, disclosed this during an interactive session with journalists in Lagos, explaining that the new system will provide a more comprehensive evaluation of pupils rather than relying on a one-time examination.
Under the proposed system, pupils’ academic records will be monitored from Primary One through Primary Six, with their performance forming the basis for transition into JSS. The Continuous Assessment record will also be transferable, meaning pupils who change schools will carry their academic history along with them.
In addition, the government is introducing a Learner Identification Number (LIN) for every pupil from the primary level. This initiative is expected to help education authorities effectively track learners’ academic progress, improve data accuracy, and increase completion rates as students move through the education system.
The minister further revealed that efforts are ongoing to revive the school feeding programme, which will now be supervised by the Federal Ministry of Education instead of the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs. The move is aimed at improving oversight and encouraging higher enrolment and attendance in public schools.
This development signals a major shift in Nigeria’s basic education system, with implications for teachers, school administrators, and parents, particularly in how pupils are assessed and prepared for secondary education.
Community Join the conversation Open discussion +