Exam malpractice: Nigeria bans admission, transfer into public, private SS3

In a move to curb examination malpractice, the Nigerian government has announced a nationwide ban on admission and transfer into public and private senior secondary school three (SS3).

The federal government on Sunday made this known through the Federal Ministry of Education in a statement signed by Boriowo Folasade, the director of press and public relations, dated December 14, 2025.

Folasade in the statement explained that the decision was taken following growing concerns over the increasing incidence of examination malpractice, including the use of so-called special centres during external examinations.

The Federal Ministry of Education emphasised that such practices undermine the integrity and credibility of Nigeria’s education system; and stressed that the policy would take effect from the 2026/2027 academic session.

“The policy will take effect from the next academic calendar 2026/27 with admissions and transfers now restricted strictly to Senior Secondary School One (SS1) and Senior Secondary School Two (SS2),” the statement read in part.

In addition, it stated, “Admission or transfer into SS3 will no longer be permitted under any circumstance.”

The ministry explained that the rationale behind the decision was aimed at addressing the movement of students late into their secondary school education for examination-related advantages.

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.

Hence, the ministry has 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 Federal Ministry of Education advised that failure to comply would attract penalties.

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

The ministry reaffirmed the Nigerian government’s readiness to reforming education, stating that the directive was part of broader efforts to protect the integrity of public examinations across the country.

The Federal Ministry of Education reaffirmed the federal government’s commitment to maintaining academic standards, promoting fairness, and restoring credibility to public examinations across the country,” the statement emphasised.

Culled from Business Today