Nigeria to Begin Academic Credential Verification

From October 6, 2025, the Federal Government will begin enforcing a nationwide academic credential verification system for all staff and recruits across Ministries, Departments and Agencies, as well as in higher institutions. The move represents one of the boldest attempts yet to address the long-standing problem of fake certificates and academic fraud in Nigeria’s education and employment system.

The directive was made public through a circular issued by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, who explained that the process will be carried out through the National Credential Verification Service, which is a key part of the Nigeria Education Repository and Databank programme. This programme, which was introduced earlier in the year by the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, was approved by the Federal Executive Council with the intention of digitising and centralising academic records across the country.

For decades, verification of certificates was largely left in the hands of individual institutions. If someone presented a degree, it was up to the employer to write to that university or polytechnic and wait weeks or months for a response confirming whether the certificate was genuine. That system was not only slow but also vulnerable to manipulation and corruption. Many fraudulent certificates found their way into the system because of weak checks and the lack of a unified national database. With the launch of the new service, the government hopes to close that loophole.

Under the new system, every academic credential, from certificates and diplomas to awards and honours, will be verified through a national platform. Each verified document will carry a National Credential Number and additional security codes to make it traceable and verifiable at the click of a button. In simple terms, no one will be able to secure a government appointment, or even employment in higher institutions, without first obtaining clearance from the verification service. The policy also extends to the private sector, which is encouraged to adopt the same standard when hiring staff.

Dr. Alausa explained that the aim is not just to weed out fake degrees but to restore confidence in Nigeria’s educational system. Academic fraud has undermined the country’s credibility for years, making Nigerian qualifications suspect in some international spaces. With this reform, the government wants to prove that certificates issued in Nigeria can stand up to global scrutiny. He also pointed out that the initiative is about protecting national pride and ensuring that academic effort is properly rewarded. Those who spent years studying should not be placed on the same level as those who paid their way to obtain fake papers.

The circular issued by Senator Akume was very clear. From October 6, no appointment will be confirmed without clearance from the National Credential Verification Service. That means the system is not optional but mandatory. For those already in service, their existing credentials will also be subjected to verification. Each clearance will be logged into the central database, creating a digital footprint that is permanent and tamper-proof.

This marks a major departure from the old ways. Rather than relying solely on universities or colleges to confirm records, the government has created a national framework that cannot easily be compromised. It is part of a wider attempt to digitise education and governance. According to officials, every credential must now be identifiable, traceable, verifiable, and validated. This reform is backed by existing laws, specifically Section 10(1) of the Education Act of 1985, which empowers the government to enforce standards across institutions.

The project is also backed by a strong structure. The Nigeria Education Repository and Databank is supervised by a Governing Council chaired by the Minister of Education and includes leaders of the National Universities Commission, the National Board for Technical Education, the National Commission for Colleges of Education, the National Library, and the Nigeria Data Protection Commission. Committees of vice-chancellors, rectors, and provosts are also part of the council, ensuring that the voices of institutions are heard in implementation.

According to Haula Galadima, the Executive Director of Communication and Cybersecurity for the programme, the service is fully ready for nationwide deployment. She encouraged government institutions, schools, and private employers to register their focal persons and digitisation officers through the agency’s website. She described the initiative as Nigeria’s one-stop shop for academic data consistency and a digital shield against fraud. By hosting a National Database of Resource Persons, it also allows instant verification of those who claim to hold academic or honorary titles.

For ordinary Nigerians, the policy has clear implications. Job seekers will need to ensure their certificates are genuine and verified before applying for roles. Employers will have access to a system that saves time and prevents costly mistakes of hiring unqualified individuals. Students currently enrolled in schools can take comfort in knowing their certificates will carry more value and integrity when they graduate. In the bigger picture, Nigeria will stand to gain global respect as its qualifications become more trustworthy.

There may be some challenges in the early days of implementation, such as ensuring all institutions are properly integrated into the database and helping staff understand how to use the system. However, the government insists that it has provided the technical foundation for a smooth rollout. If successful, this could become one of the most impactful education reforms in decades, tackling the scourge of fake credentials while strengthening the link between education and national development.