The education ministry has banned student transfer into SS3 classes across all public and private secondary schools.
The directive, the ministry disclosed in a statement on Sunday, will take effect from the 2026/2027 academic year.
Boriowo Folasade, the director of press and PR, said the measure is to curb the “increasing incidence of examination malpractice” that continues to undermine the integrity of Nigeria’s education system.
The PRO said it was necessitated by the growing concern over the use of “so-called special centres” during external examinations.
From the 2026/2027 academic session, admissions and transfers will be strictly limited to SS1 and SS2.
The measure, Boriowo added, is aimed at “discouraging last-minute movement of students for examination-related advantages.”
She said this directive is expected to also ensure proper academic monitoring and promote continuity in teaching and learning.
School proprietors, principals, and administrators across the country have been directed to comply fully with the new policy.
The ministry warned that any violation will attract appropriate sanctions in line with existing education regulations and guidelines.
