The Federal Government has announced a nationwide prohibition on the admission and transfer of students into Senior Secondary School Three (SS3) in all public and private secondary schools, effective from the 2026/2027 academic calendar. The directive, issued by the Federal Ministry of Education, is a drastic measure aimed at curbing the increasing incidence of examination malpractice, particularly the use of “special centres” during external examinations.
According to a statement by the Federal Ministry of Education’s spokesperson, Folasade Boriowo, admissions and transfers will be restricted strictly to Senior Secondary School One (SS1) and Senior Secondary School Two (SS2). She confirmed that under no circumstance will admission or transfer into SS3 be permitted once the policy takes effect.
The Ministry explained that the measure is intended to discourage the last-minute movement of students for examination-related advantages, a practice often linked to high-stakes fraud that undermines the integrity and credibility of Nigeria’s education system. The policy is also aimed at ensuring proper academic monitoring and promoting continuity in teaching and learning.
School proprietors, principals, and administrators nationwide have been directed to comply fully with the policy. The Ministry warned that any violation would attract appropriate sanctions in line with existing education regulations and guidelines, reaffirming the government’s commitment to maintaining academic standards and restoring credibility to public examinations across the country, according to reports.
