The Federal Government has introduced a nationwide ban on the admission and transfer of students into Senior Secondary School Three in both public and private secondary schools across the country.
The directive, announced in a statement issued on Sunday by the Federal Ministry of Education, was linked to rising concerns over examination malpractice, particularly the practice of moving students to so-called special centres ahead of external examinations.
According to the ministry, the new policy will take effect from the 2026/2027 academic session, with student admissions and transfers limited strictly to Senior Secondary School One and Senior Secondary School Two.
The statement, signed by the Director of Press and Public Relations of the ministry, Boriowo Folasade, made it clear that admission or transfer into SS3 will no longer be allowed under any circumstances.
The ministry said the decision was taken to curb last-minute transfers aimed at gaining unfair examination advantages, improve academic supervision, and ensure continuity in teaching and learning.
School owners, principals and administrators have been directed to comply fully with the policy, warning that violations will attract sanctions in line with existing education laws and guidelines.
The Federal Ministry of Education reaffirmed the government’s resolve to uphold academic standards, promote fairness in the school system, and restore public confidence in the conduct of national examinations.
