The Federal Government has issued a nationwide directive banning the admission and transfer of students into Senior Secondary School Three (SS3).
This new policy applies to all public and private schools across the country. It is scheduled to take effect from the 2026/2027 academic session.
Combating Exam Fraud
Boriowo Folasade, the Director of Press and Public Relations at the Federal Ministry of Education, signed the official announcement. The government stated that this move is a critical step to restore credibility to Nigeria’s education system.
The primary goal is to curb examination malpractice. Authorities are particularly concerned about the proliferation of “special centers”—locations where students transfer specifically to engage in examination fraud during external assessments.
“The Federal Government… 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 confirmed.
New Admission Rules
Under the new directive, schools can no longer accept new students into the final year class under any circumstance.
Instead, all admissions and transfers must be restricted strictly to:
- Senior Secondary School One (SS1)
- Senior Secondary School Two (SS2)
Officials explained that this measure will:
- Discourage the last-minute movement of students seeking “easy” exam centers.
- Ensure proper academic monitoring of students before they sit for final exams.
- Promote continuity in teaching and learning.
Strict Enforcement
The Ministry has directed all school proprietors, principals, and administrators to comply fully with the new policy.
The government warned that it will sanction any institution found violating this rule, in line with existing education regulations.
The Ministry reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining academic standards and promoting fairness in public examinations.
Recent Policy Shifts
This announcement follows other recent changes in the sector. Recently, the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, announced the cancellation of the policy mandating indigenous languages as the medium of instruction.
Speaking at the 2025 Language in Education International Conference in Abuja, Alausa confirmed that English would remain the primary medium of instruction, reversing the previous administration’s stance.
