FG Bans SS3 Admissions, Transfers in Public and Private Schools

• The Federal Government has announced a nationwide ban on the admission and transfer of students into Senior Secondary School Three (SS3), citing rising cases of examination malpractice and abuse of “special centres.”

The Federal Government has imposed a nationwide ban on the admission and transfer of students into Senior Secondary School Three (SS3) in both public and private secondary schools across Nigeria.

The directive was issued by the Federal Ministry of Education in a press release dated December 14, 2025, and signed by the Director of Press and Public Relations, Boriowo Folasade.

According to the ministry, the decision followed growing concerns over the increasing incidence of examination malpractice, including the use of so-called special centres during external examinations, which it said undermine the integrity and credibility of Nigeria’s education system.

The ministry disclosed that the policy will take effect from the 2026/2027 academic session.

“The policy will take effect from the next academic calendar 2026/27, with admissions and transfers now restricted strictly to Senior Secondary School One (SS1) and Senior Secondary School Two (SS2),” the statement said.

It added that admission or transfer into SS3 will no longer be permitted under any circumstance.

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Explaining the rationale behind the policy, the ministry said the move was aimed at discouraging last-minute movement of students for examination-related advantages, ensuring proper academic monitoring, and promoting continuity in teaching and learning.

The Federal Ministry of Education directed school proprietors, principals, and administrators nationwide to fully comply with the new policy, warning that violations would attract sanctions in line with existing education regulations and guidelines.

Reaffirming the government’s stance, the ministry said the directive forms part of broader education reforms aimed at maintaining academic standards, promoting fairness, and restoring credibility to public examinations across the country.