FG Sets October 6 Deadline for Verification of Academic Certificates Nationwide

FG Sets October 6 Deadline for Verification of Academic Certificates Nationwide

 

By Agency Report

 

The Federal Government has directed a nationwide enforcement of the National Policy for the Nigerian Education Repository and Databank (NERD), mandating strict verification of academic credentials across all sectors. The policy takes effect from October 6, 2025.

 

A circular signed by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, and released in Abuja, instructs all Ministries, Departments, Agencies (MDAs), and higher institutions to implement a structured verification process for both existing and prospective staff through the National Credential Verification Service (NCVS) under the NERD programme.

 

Akume warned that no appointment will be confirmed without clearance from NCVS confirming the authenticity of academic qualifications. “Effective October 6, 2025, all MDAs and higher institutions, whether public, private, civilian, or military, must conduct intensive verification of staff credentials via the NCVS. Appointment confirmation will follow only after instant clearance is obtained,” he stated.

 

Each verified credential will receive a National Credential Number and security codes to ensure traceability and authenticity. The move is intended to strengthen national quality assurance, replacing the previous system where verification relied solely on individual institutions.

 

The policy is anchored on Section 10(1) of the Education (National Minimum Standards and Establishment of Institutions) Act, 1985, and enforcement responsibilities are assigned to NERD, a system proposed by the National Universities Commission (NUC) in May 2023.

 

Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, who introduced NCVS in March, described the initiative as a “systemic quality assurance measure” to curb academic fraud, fake degrees, and unearned honours.

 

Haula Galadima, Executive Director of Communication and Cybersecurity at NERD, confirmed that the service is ready for nationwide deployment. She urged MDAs, post-secondary schools, tertiary institutions, and private organisations to enrol their NERD Focal Persons and Digitisation Officers via the agency’s website.

 

Galadima added, “NERD is a federal initiative designed to safeguard national security, ensure education integrity, and digitally enhance the economic value of Nigeria’s education for global competitiveness. It provides a one-stop platform for verification and data consistency nationwide.”

 

The NERD Governing Council, chaired by the Minister of Education, includes representatives from the NUC, NBTE, NCCE, National Library, Nigeria Data Protection Commission, and committees of vice chancellors, rectors, and provosts.