The federal government 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.
Okay News reports that the government said the directive followed growing concerns over the increasing incidence of examination malpractice, including the use of special centres during external examinations. A statement signed by the Director, Press and Public Relations, Federal Ministry of Education, Boriowo Folasade on Sunday in Abuja, stated this.
The government said these practices undermine the integrity and credibility of Nigeria’s education system. The statement disclosed that the policy will take effect from the next academic calendar 2026/27 with admissions and transfers now restricted strictly to Senior Secondary School One (SS1) and Senior Secondary School Two (SS2).
It added that admission or transfer into SS3 will no longer be permitted under any circumstance. The ministry explained that the measure was aimed at discouraging last-minute movement of students for examination-related advantages, ensuring proper academic monitoring, and promoting continuity in teaching and learning.
School proprietors, principals, and administrators nationwide have been directed to comply fully with the policy, as any violation will attract appropriate sanctions in line with existing education regulations and guidelines. The ministry reaffirmed the federal government’s commitment to maintaining academic standards, promoting fairness, and restoring credibility to public examinations across the country.
This policy comes as Nigerian authorities intensify efforts to combat examination malpractice in the education sector. The Federal Ministry of Education has consistently expressed concern over the proliferation of examination centres that facilitate fraudulent activities during national examinations like the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) and the National Examination Council (NECO) examinations.
Education stakeholders have long advocated for stricter measures to ensure that students complete their secondary education in institutions where their academic progress can be properly monitored from SS1 through SS3.
