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.
The directive, issued by the Federal Ministry of Education, is aimed at curbing the rising cases of examination malpractice, particularly the use of so-called “special centres” during external examinations, which authorities say undermines the credibility of Nigeria’s education system.
The policy was disclosed in a statement signed by the Director of Press and Public Relations of the ministry, Folasade Boriowo.
According to the statement, the ban will take effect from the 2026/2027 academic session.
Under the new guidelines, admissions and transfers will only be allowed into Senior Secondary School One (SS1) and Senior Secondary School Two (SS2).
Admission or transfer into SS3 will no longer be permitted under any circumstances.
The ministry explained that the measure is intended to discourage the last-minute movement of students to schools believed to offer unfair advantages during examinations, a practice it identified as a major driver of examination malpractice.
It added that the policy would also promote proper academic monitoring of students, ensure continuity in teaching and learning, and strengthen overall academic standards.
School owners, principals and administrators across the country have been directed to adhere strictly to the directive.
The ministry warned that any breach of the policy would attract sanctions in line with existing education laws and regulations.
The Federal Government reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the integrity of the education system, noting that the ban forms part of broader reforms aimed at promoting fairness, discipline and credibility in national examinations.
