Oluwafunbi Bello 
From chalkboards to keyboards — the digital divide in Nigerian education is stark. While students in rural schools still rely on pen-and-paper in crumbling halls, their peers in cities are already taking computer-based tests as the country prepares for full CBT implementation in WAEC and NECO by 2026.
ABUJA, Nigeria – Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Education bans all admissions and transfers into Senior Secondary School Three (SS3) from the 2026/2027 academic session in a decisive move to tackle examination malpractice.
The policy targets the widespread abuse of so-called “special centres”, where students are transferred in their final year to manipulate external examination outcomes.
In a statement issued on Sunday, ministry spokesperson Boriowo Folasade says student transfers will now be permitted only into SS1 and SS2. “Admission or transfer into SS3 will no longer be allowed under any circumstance,” Folasade states.
Education officials say the restriction will strengthen academic monitoring, ensure learning continuity and protect the credibility of national and external examinations.
The ban applies to both public and private secondary schools nationwide. School proprietors and principals are instructed to comply fully, with sanctions promised for violations under existing education laws.
The ministry describes the decision as part of broader reforms aimed at restoring trust in Nigeria’s education system amid persistent concerns over exam integrity.
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