The Federal Government has announced a nationwide prohibition on the admission and transfer of students into Senior Secondary School Three (SS3) in both public and private secondary schools, beginning from the 2026/27 academic session.The decision was disclosed in a press statement signed by the Director of Press and Public Relations of the Federal Ministry of Education, Boriowo Folasade, and shared on the ministry’s official X account on Sunday.
According to the ministry, the policy is aimed at addressing the rising cases of examination malpractice across the country.The statement raised concerns about the increasing reliance on so-called “special centres” and other unethical practices during external examinations, noting that such activities continue to erode the integrity and credibility of Nigeria’s education system.
It explained that the directive was introduced in response to growing worries over examination malpractices, particularly the last-minute movement of students to centres believed to offer unfair advantages during examinations.Under the new policy, which takes effect from the 2026/27 academic calendar, admissions and transfers will be permitted only into Senior Secondary School One (SS1) and Senior Secondary School Two (SS2).
The ministry noted that the measure is intended to discourage opportunistic transfers, ensure effective academic monitoring, and promote consistency in teaching and learning throughout the senior secondary school cycle. School owners, principals, and administrators nationwide have been instructed to comply fully with the directive, with a warning that violations will attract sanctions in accordance with existing education laws and guidelines.
The ministry reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to upholding academic standards, stating that the policy forms part of wider efforts to promote fairness and restore confidence in public examinations across the country.
source: https://leadership.ng/
