The Federal Government of Nigeria has imposed a ban on the admission and transfer of students into Senior Secondary School Three (SS3) across all public and private secondary schools nationwide, starting from the 2026/2027 academic session.
The Director of Press and Public Relations of the Ministry of Education, Boriowo Folasade, said the directive, issued on Sunday, is aimed at curbing examination malpractices, particularly the use of so-called “special centers” and the practice of last-minute movement of students to gain examination advantages.
“The decision was taken following growing concerns over the increasing incidence of examination malpractice, including the use of so-called special centers during external examinations,” the ministry said in a statement.
Such practices, it noted, “undermine the integrity and credibility of Nigeria's education system.”
The new policy restricts all admissions and transfers 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 ministry emphasized.
The move is intended to ensure proper academic monitoring and promote continuity in teaching and learning throughout the final three years of secondary education.
School proprietors, principals, and administrators across the country have been directed by the Federal Ministry of Education to ensure full compliance with the new policy.
The staggered implementation, beginning in the 2026/2027 academic calendar, is expected to give schools adequate time to adjust their enrollment procedures.
The ministry’s action follows an effort by the government to reform the education sector, which has seen previous policy changes, including a revision of the minimum age for tertiary institution admission.
