The Federal Government has announced a nationwide ban on the admission and transfer of students into Senior Secondary School Three (SS3) across all public and private secondary schools in Nigeria, in a bid to curb examination malpractice.

The directive, issued through the Federal Ministry of Education, was contained in a statement signed on Sunday by Boriowo Folasade, Director of Press and Public Relations.

According to the ministry, the move follows rising concerns over widespread examination malpractice, including the growing use of so-called “special centres” during external examinations, which authorities say threaten the credibility of Nigeria’s education system.

The policy will take effect from the 2026/2027 academic session. Under the new rules, admissions and transfers into senior secondary schools will be strictly limited to Senior Secondary School One (SS1) and Senior Secondary School Two (SS2), with no provision for entry into SS3 under any circumstance.

“According to the Ministry, 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). Admission or transfer into SS3 will no longer be permitted under any circumstance,’ the statement read.

The Ministry explained that the measure is designed to discourage last-minute movement of students for examination-related advantages, improve academic monitoring, and ensure continuity in teaching and learning.

It noted that frequent transfers at the final stage of secondary education have been linked to sharp practices that undermine fair assessment and learning outcomes.

School proprietors, principals and administrators nationwide have been directed to comply fully with the directive. The Ministry warned that any violation would attract appropriate sanctions in line with existing education regulations and guidelines.

Reaffirming the Federal Government’s commitment to upholding academic standards, the Ministry said the policy is part of broader efforts to promote fairness and restore public confidence in the integrity of examinations conducted across the country.