The Federal Government has announced a nationwide ban on admissions and transfers into Senior Secondary School Three (SS3) in both public and private schools as part of efforts to curb examination malpractice.
The directive was disclosed on Sunday by the Federal Ministry of Education in a statement signed by its Director of Press and Public Relations, Mrs Boriowo Folasade, and dated December 14, 2025.
According to the ministry, the policy follows growing concerns over examination misconduct, particularly the practice of moving students to so-called “special centres” ahead of external examinations, a trend it said undermines the credibility of Nigeria’s education system.
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The statement explained that the ban will take effect from the 2026/2027 academic session, with admissions and transfers permitted only into Senior Secondary School One (SS1) and Senior Secondary School Two (SS2).
It stressed that admission or transfer into SS3 will no longer be allowed under any circumstance, noting that the measure is aimed at preventing last-minute movement of students for examination advantages.
“The policy is intended to promote academic continuity, ensure proper monitoring of students’ academic progress, and discourage transfers designed to gain unfair examination benefits,” the ministry said.
School owners, principals, and administrators nationwide were directed to ensure full compliance with the new regulation.
