Education ministry bans SS3 admissions to curb exam malpractice

The Federal Ministry of Education has banned the admission or transfer of students into Senior Secondary School Three in all public and private secondary schools across the country, citing concerns over examination malpractice.

The ministry said that admission or transfer into SS3 would no longer be permitted “under any circumstance”, with the policy taking effect from the 2026–27 academic session. Under the new rules, student admissions and transfers will be allowed only into Senior Secondary School One and Senior Secondary School Two.

In a statement issued on Sunday, the director of press and public relations, Boriowo Folasade, said the decision was part of wider efforts to tackle what the ministry described as a growing incidence of examination malpractice, including the use of so-called special centres during external examinations.

Officials said the practice had undermined the integrity and credibility of Nigeria’s education system, particularly through the last-minute movement of candidates to schools perceived to offer unfair advantages.

The ministry said the policy was intended to discourage such movements, ensure proper academic monitoring and promote continuity in teaching and learning at the senior secondary level.

School proprietors, principals and administrators nationwide have been directed to comply fully with the new policy. Any breach, the statement warned, would attract sanctions in line with existing education regulations and guidelines.

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