The Federal Government has announced a sweeping nationwide ban on the admission and transfer of students into Senior Secondary School Three, SS3, in both public and private schools, in a decisive move to curb examination malpractice across Nigeria.
The directive was issued by the Federal Ministry of Education in a statement released on December 14, 2025, and signed by the Director of Press and Public Relations, Boriowo Folasade. The ministry said the policy follows growing concerns over widespread abuse of the system, including the rise of so-called special centres and last minute school transfers aimed solely at securing unfair advantages in external examinations.
According to the government, the practice has seriously weakened academic standards and damaged the credibility of public examinations. By blocking entry into SS3, authorities say they are closing a major loophole often exploited to beat the system.
The ban will take effect from the 2026/2027 academic session. Under the new rule, students will only be allowed to gain admission or transfer into SS1 or SS2, with no exceptions permitted at the SS3 level.
Education officials explained that the policy is designed to promote proper academic monitoring, ensure continuity in teaching and learning, and discourage the manipulation of school records shortly before final examinations.
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School owners, principals, and administrators nationwide have been directed to comply fully with the new regulation. The ministry warned that any school found violating the policy will face sanctions in line with existing education laws.
The Federal Government described the ban as part of a broader reform agenda aimed at restoring discipline, fairness, and public confidence in Nigeria’s education system and examination process.
