By Oluwabukunmi
The Federal Government has directed all Ministries, Departments, Agencies (MDAs), and higher institutions across the country to begin mandatory verification of academic credentials as part of efforts to curb the use of fake certificates.
The enforcement, tied to the National Policy for the Nigerian Education Repository and Databank (NERD), will officially commence on October 6, 2025, according to a circular signed by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, and made available to newsmen in Abuja on Wednesday.
Verification to Be Conducted Through NCVS
Under the policy, every current and prospective staff member in government institutions must undergo academic verification via the National Credential Verification Service (NCVS), a centralised system designed to authenticate all certificates, diplomas, and awards.
Akume said no appointment or confirmation of appointment will be processed without NCVS clearance.
“Effective from October 6, 2025, all MDAs and higher institutions, whether civilian, military, private or public, are to commence the implementation of an intensive yet structured verification of the academic credentials of all staff and intending staff. Thereafter, compliance must be ensured for each new recruitment by obtaining instant NCVS clearance,” the circular stated.
Each clearance, according to him, will carry a National Credential Number (NCN) and security codes to guarantee authenticity and record purposes.
Reform to End Academic Fraud
Akume explained that the reform replaces reliance on individual institutions to verify academic records with a national quality assurance mechanism that is “traceable, verifiable, and insulated from compromise.”
He added that only certificates issued by accredited institutions would be valid under the new scheme, noting that the initiative was rooted in Section 10(1) of the Education (National Minimum Standards and Establishment of Institutions) Act, 1985.
The programme was first proposed by the National Universities Commission (NUC) in May 2023 and formally approved by the Federal Executive Council earlier this year.
Education Ministry, NERD React
Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, who unveiled the NCVS in March, described the platform as a “systemic quality assurance measure” aimed at curtailing fake degrees and academic fraud.
Similarly, Haula Galadima, Executive Director of Communication and Cybersecurity for NERD, confirmed that the agency is ready for nationwide rollout. She urged MDAs, post-secondary institutions, tertiary schools, and private organisations to register their designated NERD focal persons and digitisation officers via the agency’s website.
“NERD is Nigeria’s official one-stop shop for education data consistency, designed to protect national security and prestige, guarantee education integrity, and enhance the global competitiveness of Nigeria’s academic system,” Galadima said.
She also disclosed that NERD’s responsibilities include administering the National School Number (NSN), National Credential Number (NCN), National Document Number, and hosting a national database of resource persons for instant verification of genuine honours.
Governance and Oversight
The NERD Governing Council, chaired by the Minister of Education, comprises representatives from the NUC, National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), National Commission for Colleges of Education (NCCE), the National Library, the Nigeria Data Protection Commission, and committees of vice-chancellors, rectors, and provosts nationwide.
Officials say the October enforcement date marks the beginning of an era of digitalised, foolproof credential management in Nigeria’s education sector.
