The Federal Government has introduced a nationwide restriction on the admission and transfer of students into Senior Secondary School Three (SS3), with the policy set to take effect from the 2026/27 academic session across both public and private secondary schools.
The directive, issued through the Federal Ministry of Education, forms part of broader efforts to strengthen academic standards and address persistent concerns surrounding examination malpractice in Nigeria’s secondary education system.
Authorities say the decision is aimed at closing gaps that allow last-minute student movement linked to examination advantages.
Under the new framework, student admissions and transfers will be permitted only at the Senior Secondary School One (SS1) and Senior Secondary School Two (SS2) levels.
Entry into SS3, either by fresh admission or transfer, will no longer be allowed under any circumstances once the policy comes into force.
Education officials explained that the restriction is designed to improve academic continuity, enable effective monitoring of student progress, and ensure that candidates sitting for external examinations complete their senior secondary education within a single school system.
The measure is also intended to limit the influence of informal arrangements that undermine the credibility of public examinations.
School proprietors, principals, and administrators nationwide have been directed to fully comply with the policy. The government has warned that violations will attract sanctions in line with existing education laws and regulatory guidelines.
The Ministry of Education reiterated that the policy aligns with the Federal Government’s commitment to restoring confidence in Nigeria’s examination process, promoting fairness among students, and reinforcing discipline within the education sector.
With the 2026/27 academic session identified as the implementation start date, stakeholders are expected to adjust admission practices and internal policies ahead of the transition period.
The move signals a tougher regulatory stance as authorities seek long-term reforms in secondary education governance and examination integrity.