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 across Nigeria.
The directive, issued by the Federal Ministry of Education in a press release dated December 14, 2025, was signed by the Director of Press and Public Relations, Boriowo Folasade.
According to the ministry, the decision was prompted by growing concerns over the rising incidence of examination malpractice, particularly the use of so-called “special centres” during external examinations. The government said the measure is aimed at safeguarding the integrity of the nation’s examination system and ensuring a level playing field for all candidates.
The statement stressed that such practices seriously erode the integrity and credibility of Nigeria’s education system, weakening public confidence in academic standards and the value of educational qualifications across the country
It was disclosed that the policy would take effect from the 2026/2027 academic session, with the Ministry of Education explaining that admissions and transfers would henceforth be restricted strictly to Senior Secondary School One (SS1) and Senior Secondary School Two (SS2).
The statement emphasised that admission or transfer into Senior Secondary School Three (SS3) would no longer be permitted under any circumstance.
The ministry said the decision was taken to curb the practice of students moving between schools late in their secondary education in search of unfair advantages during examinations.
The policy seeks to curb last-minute student transfers for examination-related advantages, enhance academic monitoring, and ensure continuity in teaching and learning. Consequently, the Federal Ministry of Education has instructed school proprietors, principals, and administrators across the country to adhere strictly to the new directive.
The ministry cautioned that non-compliance with the directive would incur penalties. It emphasized that any breach would be met with appropriate sanctions in accordance with existing education regulations and guidelines. Highlighting the Federal Government’s commitment to education reforms, the ministry noted that the directive forms part of wider measures to safeguard the integrity of public examinations across the country.
The statement added that the Federal Ministry of Education reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to upholding academic standards, ensuring fairness, and restoring the credibility of public examinations nationwide.