NIGERIA: FG Bans Admission, Transfer Into SS3 To Curb Exam Malpractice 

By Ameenat Hamzat, Lagos, Nigeria

The Federal Government has announced a nationwide ban on the admission and transfer of students into Senior Secondary School Three, SS3, across all public and private secondary schools in the country.

The directive, issued by the Federal Ministry of Education, is aimed at curbing the rising cases of examination malpractice, particularly the use of special centres during external examinations.

This was confirmed in a press statement signed by the Director of Press and Public Relations of the Federal Ministry of Education, Boriowo Folasade, on Sunday.

The statement reads: “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 in all public and private secondary schools.”

The Ministry said the policy will take effect from the 2026/2027 academic session, with student admissions and transfers now restricted to Senior Secondary School One and Senior Secondary School Two only.

It was further noted : “The policy will take effect from the next academic calendar 2026/27, with admissions and transfers now restricted strictly to Senior Secondary School One and Senior Secondary School Two.”

The Ministry explained that the measure is intended to discourage last-minute movement of students for examination-related advantages, ensure proper academic monitoring, and promote continuity in teaching and learning nationwide.

The statement added: “The directive follows growing concerns over the increasing incidence of examination malpractice, including the use of so-called special centres during external examinations, which undermine the integrity and credibility of Nigeria’s education system.”

School proprietors, principals and administrators have been directed to comply fully with the policy, as violations will attract sanctions in line with existing education regulations.

The ministry emphasized: “Any violation will attract appropriate sanctions in line with existing education regulations and guidelines.”