The Federal Government has announced stricter measures against certificate racketeering and academic fraud, with the nationwide enforcement of mandatory credential verification scheduled to begin on October 6, 2025.
According to a service-wide circular signed by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), as well as public and private higher institutions, are mandated to implement structured academic credential checks in line with the National Policy for the Nigeria Education Repository and Databank (NERD).
Under the new framework, both current and prospective staff across institutions and government bodies must secure clearance through the National Credential Verification Service (NCVS) before appointments are confirmed. Each verified academic document will carry a National Credential Number (NCN) and unique security codes, ensuring traceability and authenticity.
The circular noted that the reform marks a departure from past interventions by introducing a system-wide, independent quality assurance mechanism, as provided under Section 10(1) of the Education (National Minimum Standards and Establishment of Institutions) Act of 1985.
The NCVS was officially launched in March 2025 by the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, following the approval of the Federal Executive Council. At the launch, Alausa described the initiative as a bold step towards eliminating fake degrees, fraudulent honours, and diploma mill practices that have damaged the credibility of Nigeria’s education system.
In a statement issued via email, Ms. Haula Galadima, Executive Director of Communication and Cybersecurity for NERD, confirmed that all components of the service are now active. She urged MDAs, schools, and private sector employers to enrol their NERD Focal Persons and Records Officers through the official portal (ned.gov.ng/onboarding).
“NERD is a national standard for higher education digitisation. It is a federation-wide initiative aimed at protecting national security, preserving the integrity of Nigeria’s education, and strengthening the global competitiveness of our academic system,” Galadima stated.
She explained that the system administers the National Student Number (NSN), National Credential Number (NCN), and National Document Number (NDN), making it possible to digitally identify every authentic certificate or award. This will also power a National Database of Resource Persons, enabling real-time verification of academic honours.
Galadima further highlighted that fake degrees have flourished in the past because verification was often slow, cumbersome, and vulnerable to compromise. The new platform provides a federated digital one-stop solution, connecting institutional databases nationwide while maintaining their individual autonomy.
The NERD Governing Council, chaired by the Minister of Education, includes major sector regulators and data privacy agencies such as the NUC, NBTE, NCCE, National Library, Committee of Vice Chancellors, Committee of Rectors, Committee of Provosts, and the Nigeria Data Protection Commission.
“With this policy coming into full effect by October 6, every academic credential in Nigeria must be verifiable at the click of a button. Fake degrees and unearned honours will no longer find their way into the system,” she added.
