The Federal Government has announced that mandatory nationwide verification of academic credentials will begin on October 6, as part of efforts to curb certificate fraud and restore integrity to Nigeria’s education system.
The policy will be enforced through the National Credential Verification Service (NCVS), managed by the Nigeria Education Repository and Databank (NERD). It will apply to both new and existing staff in public and private institutions, who must obtain clearance from the NCVS before their appointments can be confirmed.
Each verified certificate will be assigned a National Credential Number, along with security codes, to ensure authenticity and traceability.
NERD officials said the new system creates a centralised quality assurance mechanism independent of individual institutions. It derives its legal basis from the Education (National Minimum Standards and Establishment of Institutions) Act of 1985.
The NCVS was launched in March by Education Minister Dr Tunji Alausa, who described it as a decisive step against fake degrees and “diploma mills” undermining Nigeria’s credibility.
Haula Galadima, NERD’s Executive Director of Communication and Cybersecurity, confirmed on Wednesday that the verification services are fully operational. She urged ministries, tertiary institutions and private employers to enrol their records officers through the onboarding portal.
“By October 6, fake degrees and unearned honours will no longer slip through the cracks. Every credential presented in Nigeria must be verifiable at the click of a button,” she said.
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