The Federal Government has announced a total ban on the admission and transfer of students into Senior Secondary School Three in both public and private secondary schools nationwide.
The directive was contained in a press statement from the Federal Ministry of Education on Sunday, dated December 14, 2025, and signed by the Director of Press and Public Relations, Boriowo Folasade.
A statement from the ministry explained that the decision followed increased concerns over the rising cases of examination malpractice, including the use of what is called special centres during external examinations.
The statement noted that such practices threaten the integrity and credibility of Nigeria’s education system.
The ministry announced that the new policy would take effect from the 2026/2027 academic session, saying admissions and transfers are henceforth allowed strictly in Senior Secondary School One and Senior Secondary School Two.
The Ministry explained that the policy was introduced to curtail the practice of late admission into secondary schools just with the intent of acquiring unfair advantages in external examinations.
“The measure is aimed at discouraging last-minute movement of students for examination-related advantages, ensuring proper academic monitoring, and promoting continuity in teaching and learning,” the statement read.
The Federal Ministry of Education directed school proprietors, principals and administrators across the country to comply fully with the new policy.
“School proprietors, principals, and administrators nationwide have been directed to comply fully with the policy,” it stated.
The ministry warned that failure to comply would attract penalties.