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, citing rising concerns over examination malpractice.
The directive, issued by the Federal Ministry of Education, was contained in a press release dated December 14, 2025, and signed by Boriowo Folasade, Director of Press and Public Relations.
According to the Ministry, the decision follows “growing concerns over the increasing incidence of examination malpractice, including the use of so-called special centres during external examinations, which undermine the integrity and credibility of Nigeria’s education system.”
The ban will take effect from the next academic session, 2026/2027.
Under the new policy, admissions and transfers will now be “restricted strictly to Senior Secondary School One (SS1) and Senior Secondary School Two (SS2),” while “admission or transfer into SS3 will no longer be permitted under any circumstance.”
The Ministry explained that the policy is aimed at curbing last-minute movement of students for examination-related advantages, while also ensuring proper academic supervision and continuity in teaching and learning.
“The measure is aimed at discouraging last-minute movement of students for examination-related advantages, ensuring proper academic monitoring, and promoting continuity in teaching and learning,” the statement said.
School proprietors, principals, and administrators across the country have been instructed to comply fully with the new policy, with the Ministry warning that any breach will result in sanctions.
“Any violation will attract appropriate sanctions in line with existing education regulations and guidelines,” the statement added.
Reaffirming the Federal Government’s stance on educational reforms, the Ministry said the policy aligns with its broader goal of restoring trust in Nigeria’s examination system.
“The Federal Ministry of Education reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to maintaining academic standards, promoting fairness, and restoring credibility to public examinations across the country,” the statement concluded.
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