Federal Government Cracks Down on SS3 Admissions and Transfers to Combat Examination Malpractice
The Federal Government of Nigeria has announced a nationwide ban on admissions and transfers into Senior Secondary School Three (SS3) in both public and private secondary schools. This directive, set to take effect from the 2026/2027 academic session, aims to curb examination malpractice and promote academic integrity .
The Ministry of Education cited growing concerns over the increasing incidence of examination malpractice, including the use of “special centers” during external examinations, which undermine the integrity and credibility of Nigeria’s education system. The government believes that last-minute admissions and transfers into SS3 contribute to these malpractices .
Restricted Admissions: Admissions and transfers will be strictly limited to Senior Secondary School One (SS1) and Senior Secondary School Two (SS2).
No Exceptions: Admission or transfer into SS3 will no longer be permitted under any circumstances.
Compliance: School proprietors, principals, and administrators are expected to comply fully with the policy, with any violations attracting appropriate sanctions.
The ban is expected to promote continuity in teaching and learning, ensure proper academic monitoring, and discourage last-minute movement of students for examination-related advantages. The government reaffirms its commitment to maintaining academic standards, promoting fairness, and restoring credibility to public examinations .
The Federal Government’s decision to ban admissions and transfers into SS3 is a step towards restoring the integrity of Nigeria’s education system. By promoting academic integrity and fairness, the government hopes to ensure that students are assessed based on their genuine academic abilities.