FG Bans Admission, Transfer of Students Into SS3 Nationwide

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

The directive, issued by the Federal Ministry of Education, is aimed at tackling the persistent problem of examination malpractice, particularly the movement of students to so-called “special centres” shortly before external examinations.

According to the Ministry, the policy will take effect from the 2026/2027 academic session. Under the new framework, admissions and transfers will only be permitted into Senior Secondary School One (SS1) and Senior Secondary School Two (SS2). Entry into SS3, whether by fresh admission or transfer, will no longer be allowed under any circumstance.

The Ministry explained that the decision is intended to promote academic stability, ensure proper monitoring of students’ academic progression, and eliminate last-minute transfers designed to gain unfair examination advantages. It added that sustained exposure to a school’s teaching process is essential for credible assessment and learning continuity.

School administrators nationwide have been directed to comply strictly with the policy. The Ministry warned that any violation of the directive would attract sanctions in line with existing education laws, regulations, and guidelines.

Reaffirming its commitment to safeguarding academic standards, the Federal Ministry of Education stated that the ban forms part of broader reforms aimed at restoring integrity, fairness, and public confidence in Nigeria’s secondary school examination system.