In a bold move to combat widespread examination malpractice, the Federal Government has announced a complete ban on the admission and transfer of students into Senior Secondary School Three (SS3) across all public and private schools in Nigeria, starting from the 2026/27 academic session.
The announcement was contained in a statement signed by Boriowo Folasade, Director of Press and Public Relations at the Federal Ministry of Education, on Sunday.
According to the Ministry, the policy aims to dismantle the growing culture of last-minute transfers into SS3—often used to exploit “special centres” and examination loopholes, thereby restoring credibility to Nigeria’s education system.
“The Federal Government, through the Ministry of Education, has placed a nationwide prohibition on admitting or transferring students into SS3. Admissions will henceforth be limited to only SS1 and SS2,” the statement read.
Authorities noted that this measure is necessary to ensure continuity in the learning process, prevent academic shortcuts, and improve student monitoring.
The directive applies to all school owners, principals, and education administrators nationwide. The Ministry has warned that any breach of the policy will attract strict sanctions, in line with Nigeria’s education regulations.
Education stakeholders have long raised concerns over exam malpractices, especially the proliferation of “miracle centres” where students are allegedly aided to cheat.
The Ministry said the ban is part of a broader strategy to uphold academic integrity, improve student evaluation processes, and strengthen the structure of the secondary education system.
“The Federal Ministry of Education reaffirms its commitment to ensuring credible, fair, and standard academic assessments,” the statement added.
