FG bans admission, transfer into SS3 nationwide from 2026

The Federal Ministry of Education has banned the admission and transfer of students into Senior Secondary School Three (SS3) in all public and private secondary schools across the country.

The directive was contained in a statement issued on Sunday by the ministry’s Director of Press and Public Relations, Boriowo Folasade, who said the policy will take effect from the 2026/2027 academic session.

According to the ministry, admission and transfer of students will now be restricted strictly to Senior Secondary School One (SS1) and Senior Secondary School Two (SS2), stressing that no circumstances would warrant entry into SS3.

“Admission or transfer into SS3 will no longer be permitted under any circumstance,” the statement said.

The ministry explained that the decision was taken to address growing concerns over examination malpractice, particularly the increasing use of so-called special centres during external examinations, which it said have continued to undermine the integrity and credibility of Nigeria’s education system.

By halting last-minute movement of students into final-year classes, the ministry said the policy would discourage examination-related manipulation, strengthen academic monitoring, and ensure continuity in teaching and learning.

School owners, principals and administrators nationwide have been directed to fully comply with the new regulation, with a warning that violations would attract appropriate sanctions in line with existing education laws and guidelines.

The ministry reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to improving academic standards, promoting fairness in the education system and restoring public confidence in national and external examinations.