The Vice-Chancellor of the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), Professor Uduma Oji Udumai, has approved the extension of the NOUN Staff School (NSS) from Basic 6 to Basic 9, in line with the Federal Government’s revised National Policy on Education and the current 9-3-4 education system.
Speaking with NOUN News in Kaduna, the Director of the Centre for Human Resource Development (CHRD), Dr. Amos Iliya, said the Staff School has continued to provide quality foundational education to the children of university staff and members of neighbouring communities.
According to him, the successful completion of Basic 6 by pupils, coupled with growing demand from parents who desire continuity in their children's education within the same learning environment, informed the decision to extend the school to accommodate Basic 7–9.
Dr. Iliya explained that the revised National Policy on Education provides for nine years of uninterrupted basic education, comprising six years of primary education and three years of Junior Secondary Education (Basic 7–9).
He noted that the establishment of Basic 7–9 within the existing school structure would align the institution with national educational requirements while enhancing access to quality education and promoting institutional sustainability.
The Director disclosed that the initial phase of the expansion would be cost-effective, with minimal financial implications for classroom infrastructure.
He added that the existing facilities are sufficient to accommodate the additional classes pending future infrastructural development and any increase in student enrolment.
According to him, the expansion will provide pupils with a stable and continuous academic environment throughout their basic education years.
“This will undoubtedly promote improved learning outcomes, emotional stability, and educational consistency,” Iliya stated.
He further observed that the extension would position the school fully within the requirements of Nigeria’s 9-3-4 education structure and contribute to increased pupil enrolment and revenue generation.
Providing further justification for the expansion, Iliya stated that the school already has qualified and experienced teachers capable of handling Basic 7–9 classes.
As a result, existing teaching staff can be deployed to the Junior Secondary section without the immediate need for additional recruitment, thereby reducing operational costs.
The CHRD Director emphasised that the extension is fully aligned with the revised National Policy on Education, which prescribes a continuous nine-year basic education programme, thereby ensuring compliance with national standards and ongoing educational reforms.
Reacting to the development, the Chairman of the Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) of the NOUN Staff School, Mr. Abass Ibrahim, described the approval as a welcome and long-awaited development.
He said parents had consistently advocated for the extension, noting that the school offers one of the most conducive and serene learning environments within the community.
“This approval has come at the right time, and we will do everything within our capacity to support its successful implementation,” Ibrahim said.
- Log in to post comments
- 10 views
