FG prohibits admission, transfer of SS3 students to curb examination malpractice
The Federal 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 renewed efforts to tackle examination malpractice and restore credibility to Nigeria’s education system.
The directive was issued by the Federal Ministry of Education in a statement released on Sunday and signed by the Director of Press and Public Relations, Boriowo Folasade.
According to the ministry, the policy will take effect from the 2026/2027 academic session.
Under the new guideline, admissions and transfers would only be allowed at the levels of Senior Secondary School One (SS1) and Senior Secondary School Two (SS2).
The ministry made it clear that movement of students into SS3 would no longer be permitted under any circumstances.
Education authorities explained that the decision was informed by rising concerns over widespread examination malpractice, particularly the practice of moving students to so-called “special centres” shortly before external examinations in order to gain unfair advantages.
Such practices, the ministry said, have continued to erode the integrity of public examinations and undermine confidence in academic outcomes.
The government noted that preventing last-minute transfers into SS3 would help ensure proper academic monitoring of students, promote continuity in teaching and learning, and discourage manipulation of the examination process.
The ministry also warned school owners, principals and administrators across the country to comply strictly with the new policy, stressing that violations would attract sanctions in line with existing education laws and regulations.
Reaffirming its position, the Federal Ministry of Education said the measure formed part of broader reforms aimed at strengthening academic standards, promoting fairness in assessment, and restoring public trust in Nigeria’s examination system.
The policy is expected to affect secondary schools nationwide and will require adjustments in admission practices ahead of the 2026/2027 academic calendar.
