In a move aimed at tackling examination malpractice, the Federal Government has announced a ban on the admission and transfer of students into Senior Secondary School Three (SS3) in all public and private secondary schools nationwide.
The directive, issued by the Federal Ministry of Education, is targeted at reducing examination irregularities, particularly the practice of moving students to so-called “special centres” ahead of external examinations, a trend authorities say compromises the credibility of Nigeria’s education system.
The development was contained in a statement released on Sunday and signed by the Director of Press and Public Relations at the Ministry, Folasade Boriowo.
According to the statement, the policy will take effect from the 2026/2027 academic session.
Under the new arrangement, student 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 circumstance.
The Ministry explained that the decision is intended to discourage last-minute transfers to schools perceived to provide unfair examination advantages, a practice it identified as a major driver of examination malpractice. It added that the policy would also enhance proper academic tracking of students and ensure continuity in teaching and learning.
School owners, principals, and administrators across the country have been directed to strictly comply with the directive. The Ministry warned that any breach of the policy would attract sanctions in line with existing education laws and guidelines.
Reiterating the Federal Government’s commitment to maintaining academic integrity, the Ministry noted that the ban forms part of broader reforms aimed at promoting fairness and restoring public confidence in the nation’s examination processes.
