ABUJA, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)-The Federal Government announced a nationwide ban on the admission and transfer of students into Senior Secondary School Three in both public and private secondary schools across Nigeria.
The directive came from the Federal Ministry of Education in a press release dated December 14, 2025, signed by the Director of Press and Public Relations, Boriowo Folasade.
The Ministry explained that the decision followed “growing concerns over the increasing incidence of examination malpractice, including the use of so-called special centres during external examinations.” It emphasized that such practices “undermine the integrity and credibility of Nigeria’s education system.”
According to the Ministry, the policy will be implemented starting from the 2026/2027 academic session.
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“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 noted. It further clarified that “Admission or transfer into SS3 will no longer be permitted under any circumstance.”
The Ministry explained that the measure aims to address the movement of students late in their secondary school education for examination-related advantages.
“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.
School proprietors, principals, and administrators across the country have been instructed to comply fully with the new policy.
“School proprietors, principals, and administrators nationwide have been directed to comply fully with the policy,” the statement said.
The Ministry also warned that any breach of the policy would lead to penalties.
“Any violation will attract appropriate sanctions in line with existing education regulations and guidelines,” it added.
Reaffirming the Federal Government’s stance on education reforms, the Ministry stressed that the directive forms part of broader efforts to safeguard the integrity of public examinations nationwide.
“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.