The Federal Government has intensified its efforts against certificate fraud and academic deception, announcing that a nationwide verification of educational qualifications will begin on October 6, 2025.
The order, released in a comprehensive circular signed by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, mandates all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), along with both public and private higher educational institutions, to conduct obligatory credential assessments under the National Policy for the Nigeria Education Repository and Databank (NERD).
This initiative stipulates that all current and prospective employees must secure clearance through the National Credential Verification Service (NCVS) before their appointments can be validated. Each clearance will include a National Credential Number (NCN) and security codes, ensuring that all authenticated certificates, diplomas, and distinctions are traceable and can be verified without delay.
This overhaul signifies a shift from previous measures by instituting a comprehensive quality assurance system that operates independently of any single entity. The NCVS, officially inaugurated in March 2025 by the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, received approval from the Federal Executive Council as a definitive strategy to combat counterfeit degrees and “diploma mill” operations that threaten Nigeria’s educational credibility.
Ms. Haula Galadima, Executive Director of Communication and Cybersecurity for NERD, verified that all services are up and running and urged employers to register their Focal Persons and Records Officers through ned.gov.ng/onboarding.
“Starting October 6, fraudulent degrees and undeserved accolades will no longer evade detection. Every qualification put forth in Nigeria will be verifiable at the touch of a button,” Galadima asserted.
The NERD system aims to bolster national security, protect educational integrity, and improve the global standing of Nigeria’s academic framework by establishing a federated, unified digital platform that connects decentralized institutional databases.