FG Prohibits SS3 Admission in Nigerian Schools

The Federal Government has announced a nationwide ban on admitting or transferring students into Senior Secondary School Three, known as SS3. The announcement came through the Federal Ministry of Education and applies to both public and private secondary schools.

The Ministry said the decision follows rising cases of examination malpractice. These include the use of so-called special centres during external exams. Such practices weaken trust in public examinations and affect the value of school results.

Under the new rule, students may only be admitted or transferred into SS1 or SS2. Movement into SS3 is no longer allowed for any reason. The policy will begin with the 2026/27 academic session.

Education officials explained that the rule aims to stop last-minute school changes made for exam benefits. It also helps teachers track student progress over time and supports steady teaching and learning from year to year.

School owners, principals and administrators across the country have been told to follow the directive fully. Any school that breaks the rule will face penalties under current education guidelines.

The Federal Ministry of Education said the policy supports fair testing, steady academic standards and renewed trust in national examinations.