FG Orders Clampdown On Fake Certificates, Sets Enforcement Deadline
The Federal Government has announced a nationwide enforcement of academic credential verification across Ministries, Departments, Agencies (MDAs), and higher institutions, as part of efforts to eliminate fake certificates and restore integrity to Nigeria’s education system.
According to a circular issued by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, the enforcement of the National Policy for the Nigerian Education Repository and Databank (NERD) will begin on October 6, 2025.
Akume explained that, effective from the date, no appointment would be confirmed in any institution or agency without clearance from the National Credential Verification Service (NCVS). The clearance, he said, would validate the authenticity of every academic certificate presented.
“All Ministries, Departments and Agencies, as well as all higher institutions in Nigeria, whether civilian, military, private or public, are to commence structured verification of the academic credentials of all staff and intending staff through the NCVS under the NERD programme,” the circular read in part.
Each verified credential will carry a National Credential Number and security codes for record purposes, ensuring that every certificate, diploma, or honour can be traced, verified, and validated “at the click of a button.”
The policy derives its mandate from Section 10(1) of the Education (National Minimum Standards and Establishment of Institutions) Act, 1985, with NERD empowered to oversee its implementation.
The initiative was first proposed by the National Universities Commission (NUC) in 2023 and later approved by the Federal Executive Council.
Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, who formally introduced the NCVS earlier this year, described the reform as a systemic quality assurance measure aimed at curbing academic fraud, fake degrees, and bogus honours that have tarnished the nation’s reputation.
In a statement, NERD’s Executive Director of Communication and Cybersecurity, Haula Galadima, confirmed the agency’s readiness for deployment.
She urged MDAs, tertiary institutions, and the private sector to enrol their NERD Focal Persons and Digitisation Officers via the agency’s website.
“NERD is the federal standard for higher education digitisation, designed to protect national security and prestige, ensure education integrity, and enhance Nigeria’s global competitiveness,” Galadima stated.
She further disclosed that the NERD Governing Council, chaired by the Minister of Education, includes the leadership of the NUC, NBTE, NCCE, National Library, Nigeria Data Protection Commission, and representatives of vice chancellors, rectors, and provosts across the country.
The Federal Government insists the October 6 enforcement deadline is final, warning that failure to comply would amount to violation of the new national policy.
Sodiq Lawal is a passionate and dedicated journalist with a knack for uncovering captivating stories in the bustling metropolis of Osun State and Nigeria at large. He has a versatile reporting style, covering a wide range of topics, from politics , campus, and social issues to arts and culture, seeking impact in all facets of the society.
