The Federal Government has announced a nationwide ban on the admission and transfer of students into Senior Secondary School Three (SS3) across both public and private secondary schools in Nigeria.
The directive was disclosed on Sunday by the Federal Ministry of Education, which said the decision was taken amid rising concerns over examination malpractice, including the growing use of so-called special centres during external examinations.
According to the ministry, the policy will take effect from the 2026/2027 academic session, with student admissions and transfers now limited strictly to Senior Secondary School One (SS1) and Senior Secondary School Two (SS2).
In the statement released by the Director of Press and Public Relations, Boriowo Folasade, the ministry made it clear that admission or transfer into SS3 will no longer be allowed under any circumstances.
The government explained that the move is designed to curb last-minute student movements aimed at gaining unfair examination advantages, improve academic supervision, and ensure continuity in teaching and learning.
School owners, principals and administrators nationwide have been instructed to comply fully with the new policy, with the ministry warning that violations will attract sanctions in line with existing education laws and regulations.
The Federal Ministry of Education reaffirmed the government’s commitment to upholding academic standards, promoting fairness, and restoring the credibility of public examinations nationwide.
