In a decisive move to strengthen academic integrity, the Federal Government has ruled out the admission or transfer of students into Senior Secondary School Three (SS3) across the country beginning from the 2026/27 academic session.
The new policy, which applies to both public and private secondary schools, was announced by the Federal Ministry of Education in a statement issued by its Director of Press and Public Relations, Boriowo Folasade.
Education authorities said the decision was taken in response to persistent abuses within the examination system, particularly the practice of relocating candidates shortly before final examinations to gain undue advantages. By restricting student movement at the terminal level, the government hopes to close loopholes that encourage malpractice.
Under the revised guidelines, students may only be enrolled or transferred at the Senior Secondary School One (SS1) and Senior Secondary School Two (SS2) levels, effectively barring any entry into the final year of secondary education.
Officials noted that the policy will enhance proper tracking of students’ academic progress, improve instructional continuity, and ensure that candidates sit for examinations in schools where they have undergone substantial learning.
School owners, principals, and administrators have been instructed to align with the directive, as failure to comply will attract penalties as provided by existing education laws.
The ministry emphasized that the measure underscores the Federal Government’s resolve to protect the credibility of public examinations and rebuild confidence in Nigeria’s secondary education system.
