The Federal Government of Nigeria has announced a nationwide action to curb examination malpractice, banning admission and transfer into Senior Secondary School Three, SS3 class for students in both public and private schools.
The Nigerian Ministry of Education said the directive, which will take effect from the 2026/2027 academic session, is a core part of the strategy to restore the integrity and credibility of the nation’s education system.
The Ministry explained that the policy aims to target the practice of last-minute student movements, often linked to the exploitation of ‘special centres’ for external examinations.
The Federal Ministry of Education, in a statement released on Sunday, and signed by the Director of Press and Public Relations, Boriowo Folasade, cited “growing concerns over the increasing incidence of examination malpractice, including the use of so-called special centres during external examinations,” as the primary driver for the ban on admission and transfer into SS3.
These unapproved ‘special centres’ are widely believed to facilitate mass cheating, thus undermining the efforts of hardworking students and devaluing Nigerian academic qualifications.
Under the new policy, all new student admissions and transfers will be strictly limited to Senior Secondary School One (SS1) and Senior Secondary School Two (SS2).
The Federal Ministry of Education directed school proprietors, principals, and administrators across the country to comply fully with the new policy on admission and transfer into SS3.
The statement reads in part: “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 (SS3) in all public and private secondary schools.
“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.
“According to the Ministry, 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). Admission or transfer into SS3 will no longer be permitted under any circumstances.
“The Ministry explained that the measure is aimed at discouraging last-minute movement of students for examination-related advantages, ensuring proper academic monitoring, and promoting continuity in teaching and learning.
“School proprietors, principals, and administrators nationwide have been directed to comply fully with the policy, as any violation will attract appropriate sanctions in line with existing education regulations and guidelines.
“The Federal Ministry of Education reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to maintaining academic standards, promoting fairness, and restoring credibility to public examinations across the country.”
