Nigeria bans students’ admissions, transfers into SS3 classes over exam malpractices at ‘special centres’

*The Federal Government of Nigeria announces a nationwide prohibition of admissions and transfers of students into Senior Secondary School 3 (SS3) in all public and private secondary schools, warning that so-called ‘special centres’ has undermined the integrity and credibility of country’s education system

Isola Moses | ConsumerConnect

In regard to increasing concerns over the increasing incidence of examination malpractices, the Federal Government has announced a nationwide prohibition of admissions and transfers of students into Senior Secondary School 3 (SS3) in all public and private secondary schools, to curb academic fraud in Nigeria.

The Nigerian Government said the directive is sequel to the reported growing rate of examination malpractices, including the use of the so-called “special centres”, especially during public examinations.

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Mrs. Folasade Boriowo, Director of Press and Public Relations at the Federal Ministry of Education, Abuja, FCT, who disclosed this development in a statement issued Sunday, December 14, 2025, said such “special centres” had undermined the integrity and credibility of Nigeria’s education system.

The statement noted that the policy would take effect from the 2026/27 academic calendar with admissions and transfers now restricted strictly to only SS1 and SS2 respectively.

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Boriowo also stated: “Admission or transfer into SS3 will no longer be permitted under any circumstance.”

The government explained that the measure is aimed at discouraging last-minute movement of students for examination-related undue advantages in the education system.

The Federal Government further said the measure would ensure proper academic monitoring and promoting continuity in teaching and learning in the affected level of education.

The statement as well noted: “School proprietors, principals, and administrators nationwide have been directed to comply fully with the policy.

“Any violation will attract appropriate sanctions in line with existing education regulations and guidelines.”

The Director of Press and Public Relations reaffirmed the commitment of the Federal Ministry of Education to maintaining academic standards, promoting fairness, and restoring credibility to public examinations across the country.

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