The Federal Government has announced a ban on the admission and transfer of students into Senior Secondary School 3 in both public and private secondary schools in Nigeria.

The directive was issued by the Federal Ministry of Education on Sunday and signed by Folasade Boriowo, Director of Press and Public Relations.

Boriowo explained that the decision was prompted by “growing concerns over the increasing incidence of examination malpractice, including the use of so-called special centres during external examinations.”

The statement added that such practices “undermine the integrity and credibility of Nigeria’s education system.”

According to the ministry, the directive will take effect from the 2026/2027 academic session. Admissions and transfers are now restricted to SS1 and SS2 classes.

The statement emphasised that, “Admission or transfer into SS3 will no longer be permitted under any circumstance.”