The Federal Government has introduced a new policy that will prohibit students from being admitted or transferred into Senior Secondary School Three (SS3) across Nigeria, starting from the 2026/2027 academic session.

The decision, announced by the Federal Ministry of Education, applies to all public and private secondary schools nationwide and is aimed at tackling persistent examination malpractice and strengthening the integrity of the country’s education system.

In an official statement issued by the ministry’s Director of Press and Public Relations, Boriowo Folasade, the government clarified that movement into SS3 will no longer be allowed under any circumstances. Students seeking admission or transfer will only be permitted to enter at SS1 or SS2 levels.

According to the ministry, the new rule is designed to curb the widespread practice of last-minute transfers to schools believed to offer unfair advantages during external examinations, including the use of so-called “special centres.” Such practices, officials noted, have undermined fair assessment and weakened public confidence in examination outcomes.

The policy is also expected to improve academic supervision, ensure continuity in teaching, and allow schools to properly track students’ academic progress throughout their senior secondary education.

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School owners, principals, and education administrators have been instructed to strictly comply with the directive, as the government has made it clear that violations will attract sanctions in line with existing education laws and regulations.

Reiterating its commitment to academic integrity, the Ministry of Education stated that the measure forms part of broader efforts to promote fairness, uphold standards, and restore credibility to public examinations across Nigeria.