In a decisive move to protect the integrity of public examinations, the Federal Government has barred all secondary schools from admitting or accepting transferred students into Senior Secondary School (SS3).
The directive, issued by the Federal Ministry of Education, applies to both public and private secondary schools nationwide and will take effect from the 2026/2027 academic session.
Under the new policy, student admissions and transfers will now be limited strictly to SS1 and SS2, with no exceptions allowed at the final class level.
This was contained in a statement on 14th Sunday, December 2025, by Boriowo Folasade, Director of Press and Public Relations.
According to the Ministry, the decision is a response to mounting concerns over examination malpractice, particularly the practice of relocating students to so-called “special centres” shortly before external examinations. Such practices, the Ministry noted, have weakened academic standards and compromised the credibility of Nigeria’s examination system.
By closing the SS3 entry route, the government aims to prevent last-minute academic manoeuvring, ensure proper student assessment over time, and promote continuity in teaching and learning throughout the senior secondary cycle.
The Ministry has directed school owners, principals and administrators to fully comply with the policy, warning that violations will attract sanctions in line with existing education laws and regulatory frameworks.
Reaffirming its stance, the Federal Government said the measure forms part of broader efforts to restore confidence in public examinations, promote fairness among students, and uphold quality and accountability across Nigeria’s education sector.