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 across Nigeria.
The directive, issued by the Federal Ministry of Education, is aimed at curbing the rising cases of examination malpractice, particularly the practice of moving students to so-called “special centres” ahead of external examinations.
According to the Ministry, the policy will take effect from the 2026/2027 academic session. Under the new rule, student admissions and transfers will be permitted only into Senior Secondary School One (SS1) and Senior Secondary School Two (SS2). Admission or transfer into SS3 will no longer be allowed under any circumstance.
The Ministry explained that the decision was taken to discourage last-minute movement of students for examination advantages, ensure proper academic monitoring, and promote continuity in teaching and learning.
School proprietors, principals, and administrators nationwide have been directed to comply fully with the policy, warning that violations will attract appropriate sanctions in line with existing education regulations and guidelines.
Reaffirming its commitment to maintaining academic standards, the Federal Ministry of Education said the measure is part of broader efforts to promote fairness and restore credibility to public examinations across the country.
