The Federal Government has announced a nationwide ban on the admission and transfer of students into Senior Secondary School Three (SS3) in all public and private schools, effective from the 2026/27 academic session.
The announcement was made in a statement signed by Boriowo Folasade, Director of Press and Public Relations at the Federal Ministry of Education.
The ministry said the directive is part of measures to curb examination malpractice and restore credibility to the nation’s education system.
“The Federal Government, through the Federal Ministry of Education, has announced a nationwide prohibition on the admission and transfer of students into Senior Secondary School Three (SS3) in all public and private secondary schools,” the statement said.
The ministry explained that the policy follows concerns over increasing cases of examination malpractice, including the use of unauthorised special centres during external examinations.
It added that admissions and transfers will now be limited strictly to Senior Secondary School One (SS1) and Senior Secondary School Two (SS2), and that admission or transfer into SS3 would no longer be allowed under any circumstance.
Officials said the measure is aimed at discouraging last‑minute student movements for examination-related advantages, ensuring proper academic monitoring, and promoting continuity in teaching and learning.
School proprietors, principals, and administrators have been directed to comply fully with the policy, the ministry said, warning that violations would attract sanctions under existing education regulations.
The statement reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to maintaining academic standards, promoting fairness, and restoring credibility to public examinations across the country.
