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 schools, effective from the 2026/2027 academic session.
The policy, announced by the Federal Ministry of Education, is aimed at tackling the rising incidence of examination malpractice and restoring integrity to Nigeria’s education system.
In a statement signed by the ministry’s Director of Press and Public Relations, Boriowo Folasade, the government explained that the ban would apply to all secondary schools across the country.
“The Federal Government, through the Federal Ministry of Education, 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,” the statement said.
Under the new policy, 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 added.
The ministry cited concerns over malpractice in public examinations, including the use of “special centres” that provide some candidates with unfair advantages, as the reason for the directive. Officials noted that the measure is intended to discourage last-minute student movements aimed at improving exam performance, strengthen academic monitoring, and ensure continuity in teaching and learning.
School proprietors, principals, and administrators have been instructed to comply fully, with the ministry warning that any breach of the directive would attract sanctions under existing educational regulations.
Reaffirming its commitment to educational integrity, the ministry stated, “The Federal Ministry of Education reaffirms the Federal Government’s commitment to maintaining academic standards, promoting fairness, and restoring credibility to public examinations across the country.”