FG Bans Admission, Transfer Into SS3 Nationwide Over Exam Malpractice

In a decisive move to protect the integrity of public examinations, the Federal Government has announced a nationwide ban on admitting or transferring students into Senior Secondary School Three (SS3).

The directive, issued by the Federal Ministry of Education, applies to all public and private secondary schools across Nigeria and will take effect from the 2026/2027 academic session.

Why the Federal Government Took This Step

Education authorities say the policy follows growing concerns over examination malpractice, especially the use of so-called “special centres” during external examinations such as WAEC and NECO.

According to the Ministry, last-minute transfers into SS3 are often used to gain unfair exam advantages, a practice that weakens confidence in national examinations and devalues students’ results.

“These practices undermine the credibility of our education system,” education officials said.

What the New Policy Says

Under the new rule:

Students may only be admitted or transferred into SS1 or SS2
No admission or transfer into SS3 is allowed under any circumstance
The policy begins from the 2026/27 academic session

The Ministry explained that banning SS3 transfers will help schools properly monitor students’ academic development and ensure stable teaching and learning throughout the senior secondary years.

Schools Warned: Full Compliance Required

The Federal Ministry of Education has directed school owners, principals, and administrators nationwide to strictly comply with the policy.

Any school found violating the directive will face sanctions in line with existing education regulations.

What the Government Hopes to Achieve

Officials say the policy is designed to:

Promote fair and credible examinations
Improve academic continuity
Restore public trust in national exam results
Maintain consistent academic standards across schools

The Ministry emphasized that the decision reflects the government’s commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s education system and ensuring that certificates truly reflect students’ academic efforts.