The Federal Government has announced a nationwide ban on the admission and transfer of students into Senior Secondary School Three (SS3) in both public and private secondary schools, as part of measures to curb examination malpractice.
The directive, issued by the Federal Ministry of Education on Sunday, will take effect from the 2026/2027 academic session.
Under the new policy, students may only be admitted or transferred into Senior Secondary School One (SS1) or Senior Secondary School Two (SS2), with no exceptions permitted for SS3.
According to a statement signed by the Director of Press and Public Relations of the Ministry, Boriowo Folasade, the decision follows growing concerns over widespread examination malpractice, particularly the practice of transferring students to so-called “special centres” shortly before external examinations.
The Ministry noted that the last-minute movement of students into SS3 has continued to undermine the credibility of national and external examinations across the country.
By prohibiting admissions and transfers into SS3, the government said it aims to improve academic monitoring, ensure continuity in teaching and learning, and eliminate manipulation of the examination process.
“Admission or transfer into SS3 will no longer be permitted under any circumstance,” the statement said, stressing that the policy applies uniformly to all public and private secondary schools nationwide.
School proprietors, principals, and administrators have been directed to comply strictly with the new regulation, with the Ministry warning that violations will attract sanctions in line with existing education laws and guidelines.
The Federal Government reaffirmed its commitment to promoting academic integrity, fairness, and high standards, noting that the policy is part of broader efforts to restore public confidence in Nigeria’s education system.
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