Gov’t backtracks on introducing semester system in basic schools

Government has rescinded its decision to introduce a semester system in basic schools.

The directive was announced in a press release issued on Friday, January 21, 2022.

Consequently, basic schools including Kindergarten and Junior High School will effectively immediately, revert to the trimester-based calendar.

Since the announcement of the semester-based system, individuals and groups like Africa Education Watch have mounted strong opposition to it.

Various teacher unions also raised issues with it and said they were not consulted prior to its introduction and demanded a withdrawal.

Thus, the Ministry of Education engaged with various education stakeholders and has decided to reinstate the trimester system.

“The Minister has received representation from a section of the public and key educational stakeholders to reinstate the Trimester system… Any further consultation on the issue, the Honourable Minister for Education has directed that the calendar for Kindergarten to Junior High School for the current academic year should revert to the Trimester system,” the statement said.

The first term starts on January 18 to April 14, 2022.

The second term begins on May 10 and ends on August 18, 2022, while the third term will span September 13 to December 22, 2022.

Find below a copy of the statement: