By Ghazali Ibrahim
In a bold move to combat rising cases of examination malpractice in Nigerian secondary schools, the Federal Government has banned the admission and transfer of students into Senior Secondary School Three (SS3) nationwide.
The policy, which takes effect from the 2026/2027 academic session, applies to both public and private schools and aims to curb the abuse of so-called “special centres”, institutions often linked to fraudulent practices during external exams such as WAEC and NECO.
According to the Federal Ministry of Education, the ban means that no new student may be admitted or transferred directly into SS3, regardless of circumstance. Admissions will only be permitted into SS1 and SS2.
“This directive is to strengthen the integrity of Nigeria’s education system, ensure proper academic progression, and reduce the incentive for malpractice through last-minute school changes,” the Ministry stated.
School principals and administrators have been directed to enforce the policy strictly, with warnings that defaulters will face sanctions.
