The Federal Government has announced a nationwide ban on the admission and transfer of students into Senior Secondary School Three (SS3) in both public and private secondary schools across Nigeria. The directive, which represents a major policy shift in the country’s secondary education system, is aimed at curbing examination malpractice and restoring the integrity of public examinations.

The announcement was made on Sunday through a press release issued by the Federal Ministry of Education. The statement was dated December 14, 2025, and signed by the Director of Press and Public Relations, Boriowo Folasade.

Policy Takes Effect 2026/2027 Academic Session

According to the ministry, the new policy will officially take effect from the 2026/2027 academic session. From that point onward, no school—public or private—will be allowed to admit or transfer any student into SS3 under any circumstance.

“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 read.

It further emphasized that:

“Admission or transfer into SS3 will no longer be permitted under any circumstance.”

This means that students seeking to change schools during their senior secondary education must do so before entering SS3, effectively closing what the government considers a major loophole in the system.

Rising Examination Malpractice a Key Concern

The ministry explained that the decision followed growing concerns over the increasing incidence of examination malpractice in Nigeria, particularly the abuse of so-called “special centres” during external examinations such as WAEC and NECO.

According to the statement, the late movement of students into SS3 has increasingly been linked to attempts by parents, guardians, and school operators to secure unfair advantages during final examinations.

“These practices undermine the integrity and credibility of Nigeria’s education system,” the ministry stated.

Education stakeholders have long raised alarms over schools that admit SS3 students shortly before examinations, often for financial gain, with little or no regard for academic continuity or proper assessment.

Discouraging Last-Minute Student Movement

Further explaining the rationale behind the policy, the Federal Ministry of Education said the ban is designed to discourage last-minute movement of students purely 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 noted.

By ensuring that students complete SS3 in the same school where they began or where they have spent a substantial portion of their senior secondary education, the government believes schools will be held more accountable for students’ academic development.

Impact on Schools and Parents

The new policy places clear responsibilities on school proprietors, principals, and administrators across the country. All schools have been directed to fully comply with the ban, regardless of ownership structure or location.

“School proprietors, principals, and administrators nationwide have been directed to comply fully with the policy,” the ministry stated.

Parents and guardians are also expected to plan ahead, as students who delay transfers until SS3 will no longer be accommodated. Education experts say this could lead to better planning and reduced pressure on schools during examination years.

Sanctions for Non-Compliance

The Federal Government made it clear that the policy is not merely advisory. Schools that violate the directive by admitting or transferring students into SS3 will face penalties.

“Any violation will attract appropriate sanctions in line with existing education regulations and guidelines,” the statement warned.

Although specific penalties were not detailed, existing education regulations allow for sanctions ranging from fines and withdrawal of approval to outright closure of offending schools.

Restoring Credibility to Public Examinations

Reaffirming its broader education reform agenda, the ministry described the SS3 admission ban as part of sustained efforts to restore credibility to public examinations and maintain national academic standards.

“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 added.

Education analysts say the policy aligns with ongoing reforms aimed at sanitizing Nigeria’s examination system, improving monitoring, and reducing systemic abuse.

What the Policy Means Going Forward

Under the new framework:

• Admissions and transfers are only allowed into SS1 and SS2

• SS3 admissions or transfers are completely prohibited

• Schools must strengthen academic tracking and internal assessments

• Students are expected to complete their final year in a stable learning environment

Experts believe that while the policy may initially inconvenience some families, it has the potential to significantly reduce examination malpractice and encourage genuine academic preparation.

Conclusion

The nationwide ban on SS3 admissions and transfers marks one of the most decisive steps taken by the Federal Government in recent years to reform secondary education. By closing a long-abused loophole, the policy seeks to protect the integrity of Nigeria’s education system, ensure fairness in examinations, and promote continuity in teaching and learning.

As the 2026/2027 academic session approaches, schools, parents, and students are advised to familiarize themselves with the new rules and make timely academic decisions to avoid future complications.