In a move to curb examination malpractice, the Nigerian government has announced a nationwide ban on admission and transfer into public and private senior secondary school three (SS3).
The federal government on Sunday made this known through the Federal Ministry of Education in a statement signed by Boriowo Folasade, the director of press and public relations, dated December 14, 2025.
Folasade in the statement explained that the decision was taken following growing concerns over the increasing incidence of examination malpractice, including the use of so-called special centres during external examinations.
The Federal Ministry of Education emphasised that such practices undermine the integrity and credibility of Nigeria’s education system; and stressed that the policy would 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 read in part.
In addition, it stated, “Admission or transfer into SS3 will no longer be permitted under any circumstance.”
(Business Day)
