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 was conveyed in a press release issued on Sunday, December 14, 2025, by the Federal Ministry of Education and signed by the Director of Press and Public Relations, Boriowo Folasade.
According to the ministry, the decision followed “growing concerns over the increasing incidence of examination malpractice, including the use of so-called special centres during external examinations.”
It added that such practices “undermine the integrity and credibility of Nigeria’s education system.”
The ministry disclosed that the new policy would take effect from the 2026/2027 academic session.
“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),” the statement said.
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It further stressed that, “Admission or transfer into SS3 will no longer be permitted under any circumstance.”
Explaining the purpose of the directive, the ministry stated that it was designed to curb the late movement of students into schools for examination-related benefits.
“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 read.
The Federal Ministry of Education also instructed school owners, principals, and administrators nationwide to adhere strictly to the policy.
“School proprietors, principals, and administrators nationwide have been directed to comply fully with the policy,” it stated.
The ministry warned that defaulters would face sanctions.
“Any violation will attract appropriate sanctions in line with existing education regulations and guidelines,” the statement added.
Reiterating the government’s commitment to education reforms, the ministry noted that the directive forms part of wider efforts to safeguard the credibility of public examinations across the country.
“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 added.
