Under the new policy, admissions and transfers will be allowed only into Senior Secondary School One (SS1) and Senior Secondary School Two (SS2), with no exceptions for SS3.
The Nigerian 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, as part of efforts to curb examination malpractice.
The directive, issued by the Federal Ministry of Education on Sunday, will take effect from the 2026/2027 academic session.
Under the new policy, admissions and transfers will be allowed only into Senior Secondary School One (SS1) and Senior Secondary School Two (SS2), with no exceptions for SS3.
According to the Ministry, in a statement signed by Director of Press and Public Relations, Boriowo Folasade, the decision follows rising concerns over examination malpractice, particularly the movement of students to so-called “special centres” shortly before external examinations, a practice that has continued to erode the credibility of Nigeria’s education system.
The Ministry explained that prohibiting last-minute admissions into SS3 would enhance proper academic monitoring, ensure continuity in teaching and learning, and discourage manipulation of the examination process.
“Admission or transfer into SS3 will no longer be permitted under any circumstance,” the Ministry stated, stressing that the policy applies uniformly across all public and private secondary schools nationwide.
School owners, principals, and administrators have been directed to comply strictly with the new regulation. The Ministry warned that any violation would attract appropriate sanctions in line with existing education laws and guidelines.
Reaffirming the Federal Government’s commitment to academic integrity, the Ministry said the policy is part of broader efforts to promote fairness, uphold standards, and restore public confidence in national and external examinations.