FG Bars Admission and Transfer of Students into SS3 Nationwide. The Federal Government has announced a nationwide ban on the admission or transfer of students into Senior Secondary School Three (SS3). The directive, issued through the Federal Ministry of Education, applies to all public and private secondary schools across Nigeria.
According to the Ministry, the decision is a response to the growing incidence of examination malpractice, particularly the use of so-called “special centres” during external examinations. These practices, officials noted, undermine the credibility of public examinations and devalue students’ academic results.
Under the new policy, students are permitted to gain admission or transfer only into SS1 or SS2. Entry or transfer into SS3 will no longer be allowed under any circumstance. The regulation is scheduled to take effect from the 2026/27 academic session.
Education authorities explained that the measure is intended to curb last-minute school transfers often made to gain unfair advantages during examinations. It is also designed to enable teachers to properly monitor students’ academic development over time, while promoting consistency in teaching and learning throughout the senior secondary cycle.
School owners, principals, and administrators nationwide have been directed to comply fully with the policy. The Ministry warned that any school found violating the directive will be sanctioned in line with existing education laws and regulations.
The Federal Ministry of Education stated that the policy is part of broader efforts to promote fair assessment, maintain stable academic standards, and restore public confidence in Nigeria’s national examination system.
