The Federal Government has announced a decisive nationwide policy prohibiting the admission and transfer of students into Senior Secondary School Three (SS3) in all public and private schools, effective from the 2026/2027 academic session.
This major directive is part of a concerted effort to curb examination malpractice and restore integrity to Nigeria’s educational system.
The new policy was formally announced in a statement signed by Boriowo Folasade, the Director of Press and Public Relations at the Federal Ministry of Education. The statement clearly outlined the scope of the restriction: “The Federal Government, through the Federal Ministry of Education, has announced a nationwide prohibition on the admission and transfer of students into Senior Secondary School Three (SS3) in all public and private secondary schools.”
The ministry confirmed that the policy was developed in response to mounting concerns over the rising incidence of malpractice, particularly the utilization of unverified “special centres” during external examinations. To counteract this, the ministry has clarified that all future admissions and transfers will now be strictly confined to Senior Secondary School One (SS1) and Senior Secondary School Two (SS2). The directive further states: “Admission or transfer into SS3 will no longer be permitted under any circumstance.”
Officials indicated that the measure is intended to discourage the last-minute movement of students seeking examination-related advantages, thereby guaranteeing proper academic monitoring and fostering continuity in the process of teaching and learning.
School proprietors, principals, and administrators across the country have been mandated to comply fully with the new policy. The ministry issued a stern warning that any violation will be subject to sanctions consistent with existing education regulations and guidelines.
Reaffirming the government’s objective, the statement concluded: “The Federal Ministry of Education reaffirms the Federal Government’s commitment to maintaining academic standards, promoting fairness, and restoring credibility to public examinations across the country.”
