To restore credibility to Nigeria’s secondary school certification system, the Federal Government has announced a nationwide ban on admitting or transferring students into Senior Secondary School 3 (SS3).

The policy, which takes effect from the 2026/2027 academic session, applies to both public and private schools and is designed to dismantle the entrenched culture of examination malpractice linked to “special centres.”

The directive, issued Monday by the Federal Ministry of Education and signed by Director of Press and Public Relations Folasade Boriowo, restricts new entries and transfers exclusively to SS1 and SS2. Schools that violate the order will face sanctions under existing education laws. The ministry explained that the measure directly targets unscrupulous schools notorious for facilitating mass cheating during external examinations such as WAEC, NECO, and JAMB.

For years, these “special centres” have attracted last-minute transfers of underperforming or desperate candidates in SS3, offering so-called guaranteed results through leaked papers, impersonation, or supervised malpractice for hefty fees. The practice has not only eroded public trust in Nigerian certificates but also cast doubt on the credibility of graduates in the eyes of employers and universities, both at home and abroad.

The government’s new policy seeks to close this loophole by eliminating incentives for late migrations to malpractice hubs, ensuring consistent academic monitoring, and promoting genuine teaching and learning continuity rather than “miracle” results. Officials stressed that the move is part of a broader campaign to uphold fairness and credibility in national examinations, alongside recent initiatives such as biometric verification of candidates, installation of CCTV cameras in exam halls, and prosecutions of miracle centre operators.

Education stakeholders have largely welcomed the ban as long overdue. Teachers’ unions and examination bodies praised the government’s resolve, noting that the credibility of Nigeria’s education system has been under siege for decades. They argue that the policy will help level the playing field for hardworking students who have been disadvantaged by peers exploiting fraudulent centres. However, some private school owners expressed concern about potential revenue losses, as SS3 transfers have become a lucrative source of income for certain institutions.

The ministry has directed school proprietors, principals, and administrators nationwide to comply strictly, with enforcement mechanisms to be detailed in the coming months. Implementation begins with the next academic session, giving schools time to adjust admission policies and prepare for stricter oversight.

Beyond the immediate crackdown, the policy signals a broader shift in Nigeria’s education reform agenda. By tackling malpractice at its root, the government hopes to rebuild confidence in national certificates, strengthen pathways to higher education, and reassure employers that graduates possess genuine competence. As one senior education official put it, “This is about protecting the integrity of our future workforce. If our certificates lose credibility, our economy suffers.”

The ban, therefore, is not just an administrative directive but a symbolic stand against decades of compromised standards. It underscores the government’s determination to safeguard academic integrity, restore equity, and ensure that Nigeria’s education system produces graduates who can compete globally on merit rather than manipulation.