Federal Government bans admission, transfer of students into SS3

The Federal Government has announced a nationwide ban on the admission and transfer of students into Senior Secondary School Three (SS3) across all public and private secondary schools in Nigeria.

According to the government, the decision was taken in response to rising cases of examination malpractice, particularly the use of so-called “special centres” during external examinations, which it said erode the integrity and credibility of the country’s education system.

In a statement issued on Sunday in Abuja and signed by the Director of Press and Public Relations of the Federal Ministry of Education, Boriowo Folasade, the policy is scheduled to take effect from the 2026/2027 academic session. Under the new directive, admissions and transfers will be permitted only into Senior Secondary School One (SS1) and Senior Secondary School Two (SS2).

The ministry emphasized that admission or transfer into SS3 will no longer be allowed under any circumstances.

It explained that the policy is intended to curb last-minute transfers aimed at gaining unfair examination advantages, improve academic supervision, and ensure continuity in teaching and learning.

The statement further warned that school proprietors, principals, and administrators nationwide must strictly comply with the directive, noting that violations would attract appropriate sanctions in line with existing education regulations.

The ministry reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to upholding academic standards, promoting fairness, and restoring public confidence in the nation’s examination processes.