The Federal Government of Nigeria, has banned Senior Secondary Schools one and two students (SSS1 and 2), from writing external examinations; West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE), the National Examination Council (NECO), and National Business and Technical Examinations Board (NABTEB).

This was contained in a circular issued by the Federal Ministry of Education to Principals of Federal Unity College.

The Director of Press and Public Relations, Ben Bem Goong, confirmed the circular to PUNCH on Friday, September 24, 2021.

“Yes, that is true. It is aimed at making them concentrate. You also know that it is not the right thing to do,” he said.

When asked if the ban extends to private school students, he replied, “It is not about whether private or public. We are after class. The aim for doing that is clear.”

The circular with reference number; FME/DBSE/US/DOC/III/16 and signed by the Ministry’s Director Senior Secondary Education, Hajia Binta Abdulkadir, read;

“The ministry’s attention has been drawn to the flagrant disregard to its directive on (the) writing of external examinations such as NABTEB (NTC and NBC), WASSCE, NECO (SSCE) by SS1 and SS2 students.

“Students who are involved in the practice find it difficult to settle down on serious studies. They become unruly and distract other students from achieving their goals.

“Any student caught to have written any of the above examinations in SS1 or SS2 classes will be expelled from the college. All students must write these examinations after they have been duly registered for the examination by the college.

“All students of Federal Unity College should adhere strictly to the content of this circular. And Principals are advised to bring the content of this circular to the knowledge of all parents of the college.