The Federal Government has banned the admission and transfer of students into Senior Secondary School Three (SS3) in all public and private secondary schools across the country, in a decisive move to curb examination malpractice.
The directive, issued by the Federal Ministry of Education, is aimed at checking the growing abuse of so-called “special centres” and other examination irregularities that have continued to undermine the credibility of Nigeria’s education system.
According to a statement released on Sunday by the Director of Press and Public Relations in the ministry, Folasade Boriowo, the policy will take effect from the 2026/2027 academic session.
Under the new arrangement, students will only be allowed to gain admission or transfer into Senior Secondary School One (SS1) and Senior Secondary School Two (SS2). Admission or transfer into SS3 will no longer be permitted under any circumstance.
The ministry explained that the measure was designed to discourage the last-minute movement of students to schools perceived to offer undue examination advantages, a practice it said had fuelled widespread malpractice in external examinations.
It added that the policy would also enhance proper academic monitoring of students, ensure continuity in teaching and learning, and strengthen overall academic standards.
“The integrity of our examinations must be protected. This directive is part of broader reforms to restore public confidence in the education system and promote fairness for all candidates,” the statement read.
School proprietors, principals and administrators nationwide have been directed to comply strictly with the policy, as the ministry warned that any violation would attract sanctions in line with existing education regulations and guidelines.
Reaffirming the Federal Government’s commitment to safeguarding academic standards, the ministry said the ban forms part of sustained efforts to address systemic weaknesses in the conduct of secondary school examinations across the country.
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