In a bold move to address the pervasive issue of certificate racketeering and academic fraud, the Federal Government of Nigeria has announced a sweeping mandate to enforce academic credential verification across the country, effective from October 6, 2025. This initiative represents a significant step toward restoring trust in Nigeria’s educational system, ensuring that academic qualifications are legitimate, traceable, and verifiable. The directive, issued through a service-wide circular by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, underscores the government’s commitment to tackling the menace of fake degrees and unearned academic honors that have long undermined the integrity of the nation’s education sector.
The new policy, anchored on the National Policy for the Nigeria Education Repository and Databank (NERD), mandates all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), as well as public and private higher institutions, to implement rigorous credential verification processes. This reform is not merely a procedural adjustment but a transformative effort to establish a robust, system-wide quality assurance framework that transcends the limitations of individual institutions. By integrating advanced technology and a centralized digital platform, the government aims to create a seamless, transparent, and secure system for verifying academic credentials, thereby safeguarding national security, enhancing the global competitiveness of Nigeria’s education system, and restoring public confidence in academic qualifications.
The Mandate: A Comprehensive Approach to Credential Verification
At the heart of this initiative is the National Credential Verification Service (NCVS), a digital platform launched in March 2025 by the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa. The NCVS, approved by the Federal Executive Council, is designed to address the growing challenge of certificate racketeering, including the proliferation of "diploma mills" that issue fraudulent degrees and certificates. The platform serves as a one-stop solution for verifying academic credentials, ensuring that every certificate, diploma, or award presented in Nigeria is authentic and traceable to its issuing institution.
Under the new directive, all existing and intending staff in public and private sectors must obtain clearance through the NCVS before their appointments can be confirmed. This requirement applies to a wide range of institutions, including government agencies, universities, polytechnics, and private organizations. Each verified credential will be assigned a unique National Credential Number (NCN) accompanied by security codes, enabling instant verification through the NERD system. This feature ensures that employers, academic institutions, and other stakeholders can quickly authenticate qualifications, reducing the risk of fraud and enhancing accountability.
The implementation of this policy marks a significant departure from previous efforts to curb academic fraud. Unlike earlier interventions, which were often fragmented and institution-specific, the NCVS establishes a federated, decentralized system that links institutional databases into a cohesive, national framework. This approach ensures that no single institution can manipulate or bypass the verification process, creating a standardized and reliable mechanism for credential authentication.
The NERD System: A Technological Leap Forward
The Nigeria Education Repository and Databank (NERD) is the backbone of this transformative initiative. Designed as a federated digital platform, NERD integrates decentralized institutional databases to create a centralized repository of academic credentials. This system allows for real-time verification of certificates, diplomas, and other academic awards, making it virtually impossible for fraudulent credentials to go undetected. By leveraging advanced cybersecurity measures and cutting-edge technology, NERD ensures the integrity and security of the verification process, protecting sensitive data while providing instant access to verified information.
Ms. Haula Galadima, Executive Director of Communication and Cybersecurity for NERD, emphasized the system’s readiness and urged employers to take immediate action to comply with the mandate. “By October 6, fake degrees and unearned honors will no longer slip through the cracks. Every credential presented in Nigeria must be verifiable at the click of a button,” she stated. To facilitate compliance, Galadima encouraged organizations to enroll their Focal Persons and Records Officers through the official NERD portal at ned.gov.ng/onboarding. This step is critical for ensuring that employers and institutions are fully integrated into the NCVS ecosystem, enabling seamless verification of credentials.
The NERD system is not only a tool for combating fraud but also a strategic initiative to enhance the global competitiveness of Nigeria’s education system. By establishing a reliable and transparent framework for credential verification, the government aims to position Nigerian graduates and professionals as credible contenders in the global job market. This is particularly important in an era where employers and academic institutions worldwide are increasingly scrutinizing the authenticity of qualifications. The NERD system ensures that Nigerian credentials meet international standards of verification, thereby boosting the country’s reputation as a hub for quality education.
Addressing a National Challenge
Certificate racketeering has been a persistent challenge in Nigeria, with far-reaching consequences for the education sector, national security, and economic development. Fraudulent credentials have enabled unqualified individuals to secure jobs, promotions, and other opportunities, often at the expense of deserving candidates. This practice has eroded public trust in the education system, undermined the value of legitimate qualifications, and tarnished Nigeria’s reputation on the global stage. The proliferation of diploma mills—unaccredited institutions that issue fake degrees for profit—has further exacerbated the problem, creating a shadow economy that thrives on deception.
The Federal Government’s decision to implement mandatory credential verification reflects its recognition of these challenges and its determination to address them head-on. By institutionalizing a system-wide approach to verification, the government aims to dismantle the networks that perpetuate academic fraud and restore integrity to the education sector. The introduction of the NCVS and NERD systems represents a proactive step toward achieving this goal, providing a scalable and sustainable solution to a longstanding problem.
The policy also has implications for national security. Fraudulent credentials have been linked to cases of impersonation, corruption, and other forms of misconduct that pose risks to public safety and governance. By ensuring that only verified qualifications are recognized, the government can mitigate these risks and strengthen the integrity of public and private institutions. This is particularly critical in sectors such as healthcare, education, and law enforcement, where unqualified individuals can cause significant harm if allowed to operate under false pretenses.
Implementation and Compliance
The implementation of the NCVS and NERD systems requires active participation from a wide range of stakeholders, including government agencies, educational institutions, and private employers. To ensure a smooth rollout, the government has outlined clear guidelines for compliance. All MDAs and higher institutions are required to appoint Focal Persons and Records Officers to oversee the verification process within their organizations. These individuals will serve as liaisons between their institutions and the NERD system, ensuring that all credentials are properly documented and verified.
Employers are encouraged to act swiftly to meet the October 6, 2025, deadline. The onboarding process, accessible through the NERD portal, is designed to be user-friendly and efficient, allowing organizations to register their representatives and integrate their systems with the NCVS. Failure to comply with the mandate could result in significant consequences, including the rejection of unverified credentials and potential penalties for institutions that fail to implement the required checks.
For individuals, the policy means that all academic credentials must be submitted for verification through the NCVS. This applies to both current employees and job applicants, ensuring that no one can bypass the system. The assignment of a National Credential Number (NCN) to each verified credential adds an additional layer of security, making it easier for employers to confirm the authenticity of qualifications. The NCN, combined with security codes, ensures that credentials are not only verifiable but also protected against tampering or falsification.
Broader Implications for Nigeria’s Education System
The introduction of the NCVS and NERD systems is a game-changer for Nigeria’s education sector. By creating a centralized, technology-driven platform for credential verification, the government is addressing one of the most significant barriers to educational reform: the lack of trust in academic qualifications. This initiative has the potential to transform the way credentials are perceived and valued, both within Nigeria and internationally.
One of the key benefits of the policy is its ability to enhance the global competitiveness of Nigerian graduates. In recent years, Nigerian qualifications have faced scrutiny from foreign employers and academic institutions due to concerns about fraud. The NCVS provides a solution to this problem by offering a reliable and transparent verification process that meets international standards. This is expected to boost the employability of Nigerian professionals and facilitate their access to opportunities abroad.
The policy also has the potential to drive improvements in the quality of education in Nigeria. By cracking down on diploma mills and fraudulent institutions, the government is sending a clear message that only legitimate qualifications will be recognized. This could encourage higher institutions to strengthen their academic standards and invest in quality assurance measures, ultimately benefiting students and the broader education system.
Challenges and the Path Forward
While the NCVS and NERD systems represent a significant step forward, their success will depend on effective implementation and widespread adoption. Key challenges include ensuring that all institutions, particularly those in remote or underserved areas, have the infrastructure and resources to comply with the mandate. The government will need to provide adequate support, including training and technical assistance, to facilitate a smooth transition.
Public awareness will also be critical to the policy’s success. Many individuals and organizations may be unaware of the new requirements or unsure of how to navigate the verification process. A robust communication campaign, led by NERD and other stakeholders, will be essential to educate the public and ensure compliance.
Looking ahead, the Federal Government’s commitment to tackling certificate racketeering sets a strong precedent for future reforms. By leveraging technology and fostering collaboration between public and private sectors, Nigeria is paving the way for a more transparent and accountable education system. The October 6, 2025, deadline marks the beginning of a new era in which fake degrees and unearned honors will no longer have a place in Nigeria’s academic landscape.
