In a bold effort to restore faith in Nigeria’s education system, the Federal Government has announced a sweeping policy change that forbids the admission or transfer of students into Senior Secondary School Three (SS3) across all public and private secondary schools in the country. The announcement was made by the Federal Ministry of Education in an official statement dated December 14, 2025, and comes amid rising concerns over widespread examination malpractice that has eroded public confidence in the credibility of national exams.
The new policy will take effect with the 2026/2027 academic session, marking a significant shift in how students are placed within the senior secondary school system. Schools will now be allowed to register new admissions only into Senior Secondary School One (SS1) and Senior Secondary School Two (SS2). Any attempt to admit or transfer a student into SS3 from another school will no longer be permitted under any circumstances.
Table of Contents
The Federal Government Policy Aims and Government Rationale
The Federal Ministry of Education explained that the prohibition is designed to curb a growing pattern where students are shifted into final-year classes at the eleventh hour, often in pursuit of examination advantages. These late movements have been linked to improper practices that undermine the integrity of external examinations such as WAEC and NECO, including the misuse of so-called “special centres.”
According to the statement issued by Boriowo Folasade, the Director of Press and Public Relations for the Ministry, these special centres and last-minute transfers have weakened the reputation of Nigeria’s education credentials, making it harder for stakeholders to trust that results reflect true academic ability. Without restricting admissions to early years of senior secondary school, the ministry believes that such transfers may continue to fuel examination malpractice, despite other anti-fraud measures already in place.
Officials say the policy is aimed at discouraging last-minute shuffling of students for potential examination advantages, ensuring that educators can monitor student progress more effectively throughout the crucial three years of senior secondary education. The directive is also expected to promote continuity in classroom instruction and discourage shortcuts that have become increasingly common in recent years.
The Ministry further underscored that all school proprietors, principals, and administrators must fully comply with the new directive. Failure to do so will attract sanctions in line with existing education regulations and guidelines.
Broader Context of Exam Malpractice in Nigeria
Efforts to combat examination malpractice have been gathering momentum across different arms of government and education agencies. For months, the Federal Ministry of Education has reiterated a zero-tolerance stance on any form of examination fraud, working with partners such as the Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services, and examination bodies to pursue offenders, according to the Federal Ministry of Education.
Malpractice remains a persistent challenge for Nigeria’s education landscape. According to official statements earlier in 2025, the rate of malpractice detected in WAEC examinations showed some improvement, but challenges remained. The government has been pushing for stronger enforcement, teacher training, and examination reforms, including the adoption of Computer-Based Testing (CBT), to curb fraudulent practices in senior secondary and other national exams.
The decision to ban transfers into SS3 is part of a broader suite of reforms intended to reinforce academic discipline and fairness. Other steps proposed by the Federal Government in recent months include the establishment of an examination malpractice tribunal and initiatives requiring national identification data on certificates to boost transparency and accountability.
Reactions from Stakeholders
Early reactions to the policy have been varied. Education advocates and parents concerned about the integrity of public examinations have welcomed the move, describing it as necessary for restoring trust in the national education system. Many believe that a student’s academic journey should be uninterrupted and undisturbed in the final year, allowing educators to deliver the full curriculum and build competencies without the distraction of late entries.
However, some school administrators and private institution proprietors have raised questions about how the ban might affect enrolment dynamics and revenue. In particular, transfer students have historically provided a valuable source of income for private schools, and curbing that source could have financial implications. There are also concerns about how families who relocate mid-term will navigate the policy, especially in instances of migration due to work or other personal reasons.
Despite these concerns, the Ministry has stood firm on the policy’s timeline and enforcement, urging all stakeholders to align school practices with the new directive ahead of the 2026/2027 academic calendar.
Looking Ahead: What This Means for Students and Schools
As Nigeria prepares to implement this policy, educators and families alike are bracing for changes in school placement practices. Students aiming for SS3 must now complete SS1 and SS2 in their current schools without the possibility of switching environments at the final stage of senior secondary education. This may prompt schools to enhance support systems in early senior classes, ensuring that students are adequately prepared for national examinations without relying on last-minute tactics.
For parents, the policy underscores the importance of early academic planning and sustained engagement with their children’s schools throughout the secondary education journey. It also amplifies the role of educators in maintaining consistent monitoring and evaluation of students from SS1 through to SS3, ensuring that academic standards are upheld at every level.
The broader implications of this policy extend beyond simple administrative adjustments. By restricting admissions and transfers into the final year of senior secondary school, the Federal Government is signalling a commitment to long-term educational reform rooted in fairness, transparency, and respect for merit. If effectively implemented and supported by complementary reforms, this measure could mark a turning point in Nigeria’s fight against examination malpractice, setting a new standard for academic integrity countrywide.
As the 2026/2027 academic session approaches, schools and education stakeholders will be closely watching how the policy unfolds and what additional steps the government may take to secure the future of Nigeria’s youth through credible, high-quality education.
Join Our Social Media Channels:
WhatsApp: NaijaEyes
Facebook: NaijaEyes
Twitter: NaijaEyes
Instagram: NaijaEyes
TikTok: NaijaEyes
READ THE LATEST EDUCATION NEWS
