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Federal Government banned SS3 admission and transfers nationwide from 2026.
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Policy targets examination malpractice and special centres abuse.
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Schools violating directive will face sanctions.
The Federal Government has announced a nationwide ban on the admission and transfer of students into Senior Secondary School Three in both public and private secondary schools, beginning from the 2026/27 academic session.
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EKO HOT BLOG reports that the directive was issued by the Federal Ministry of Education as part of renewed efforts to curb examination malpractice and restore credibility to Nigeria’s education system.
In a statement signed by the Director of Press and Public Relations at the ministry, Boriowo Folasade, the government said the ban would apply to all secondary schools across the country without exception.
“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 in all public and private secondary secondary schools,” the statement said.
Under the new policy, students will only be allowed to gain admission or be transferred into Senior Secondary School One and Senior Secondary School Two.
“Admission or transfer into SS3 will no longer be permitted under any circumstance,” the ministry added.
The ministry explained that the decision followed rising concerns over examination malpractice, particularly the practice of moving students into SS3 shortly before final examinations to secure unfair advantages.
It noted that the use of so called special centres and last minute transfers had continued to undermine academic integrity and weaken confidence in public examination results.
Officials said the policy is aimed at discouraging such practices, strengthening academic monitoring, and ensuring continuity in teaching and learning throughout the senior secondary cycle.
School proprietors, principals, and administrators were directed to comply strictly with the new directive.
The ministry warned that any school found violating the policy would face sanctions in line with existing education laws, regulations, and guidelines.
Reaffirming the government’s position, the statement said the policy reflects a firm commitment to protecting academic standards and promoting fairness in the education sector.
“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,” the ministry stated.
