FG bans admission and transfer of SS3 students in secondary schools

The federal education ministry has introduced a new policy prohibiting the transfer of students into SS3 in all public and private secondary schools across the country.

The decision, announced in a statement issued on Sunday, will take effect from the 2026/2027 academic session. The ministry said the move is a response to the rising cases of examination malpractice, which it noted have continued to erode the credibility of the nation’s education system.

Boriowo Folasade, director of press and public relations, explained that the policy was driven by growing concerns over the operation of “special centres” often linked to external examination fraud.

Under the directive, schools will only be allowed to admit or accept transferred students into SS1 and SS2 from the 2026/2027 session onward. According to the ministry, this is meant to prevent last-minute transfers aimed at gaining unfair advantages during examinations.

Folasade added that the measure would strengthen academic supervision, ensure continuity in learning, and make it easier for schools to properly monitor students’ academic development.

All school proprietors, principals and administrators nationwide have been ordered to strictly comply with the new rule. The ministry also warned that any school found violating the policy would face sanctions in line with existing education laws and guidelines.