FG to Begin Nationwide Verification of Academic Credentials from October 6

The Federal Government has announced that it will begin nationwide enforcement of academic credential verification for all staff and recruits across Ministries, Departments, Agencies (MDAs), and higher institutions starting October 6, 2025.

The directive was contained in a circular signed by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Sen. George Akume, and released to the media in Abuja. The process will be conducted through the National Credential Verification Service (NCVS) under the Nigeria Education Repository and Databank (NERD) programme.

The NERD initiative, which was approved by the Federal Executive Council in March 2025, aims to create a single, secure system for validating academic qualifications nationwide. Under the scheme, NCVS will issue verifications with unique National Credential Numbers (NCN) and embed QR codes on certificates and transcripts, allowing instant, traceable validation of credentials.

Education Minister, Dr. Tunji Alausa, explained that the programme was designed to address widespread credential fraud that has plagued Nigeria’s education system. “This reform moves verification from an institution-led process to a national standard that guarantees integrity and transparency,” he said.

Akume stressed that no appointment would be confirmed without NCVS clearance affirming the authenticity of academic qualifications. “Effective from October 6, all MDAs and higher institutions, whether public or private, must verify the credentials of existing and incoming staff through NCVS before confirmation of appointments,” he stated.

The SGF added that the reform represents a departure from the old practice where individual institutions handled verification, often with loopholes. The new system, he said, entrenches a national quality assurance mechanism insulated from compromise.

NERD officials have urged all relevant institutions to register focal persons and digitisation officers ahead of implementation. Executive Director of Communication and Cybersecurity for NERD, Haula Galadima, noted that the service is fully ready for deployment and will enhance the credibility of Nigeria’s education sector, protect national security, and improve the country’s global competitiveness.

The programme is backed by Section 10(1) of the Education Act of 1985 and will be supervised by a governing council chaired by the Minister of Education, with representation from the NUC, NBTE, NCCE, and other key bodies.

Over to sports: Bremen calls Boniface to order over social media posts