The Federal Government has directed all Ministries, Departments, Agencies (MDAs), and higher institutions across Nigeria to commence compulsory verification of academic certificates through the National Credential Verification Service (NCVS) under the Nigerian Education Repository and Databank (NERD) policy.
The enforcement of this directive will begin on October 6, 2025, according to a circular issued by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, on August 8 and released to journalists in Abuja on Wednesday.
Akume stressed that no appointment will be ratified without clearance from the NCVS confirming the authenticity of the qualifications submitted.
He said, “Effective from October 6, 2025, all Ministries, Departments and Agencies as well as all higher institutions in Nigeria, whether civilian, military, private or public, are to commence the implementation of an intensive yet structured verification of the academic credentials of all staff and intending staff through the National Credential Verification Service of the NERD programme, and thereafter ensure compliance for each new recruitment by obtaining instant NCVS clearance.
“This clearance affirms the authenticity of each academic credential presented anywhere within the Federal Republic of Nigeria before confirming appointment.”
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Each verified certificate will be assigned a National Credential Number alongside security codes for tracking. Akume noted that the reform ensures every academic award in Nigeria originates from accredited institutions and can be instantly validated.
The initiative replaces the old system where institutions handled verification independently, introducing a national quality assurance mechanism free from manipulation.
The policy is anchored on Section 10(1) of the Education (National Minimum Standards and Establishment of Institutions) Act, 1985, and its enforcement will be overseen by NERD. The NCVS was first presented by the National Universities Commission (NUC) in May 2023 and launched in March by Education Minister, Dr. Tunji Alausa, following Federal Executive Council approval.
Alausa described the system as a major step to curb academic fraud, including fake degrees and awards.
NERD’s Executive Director of Communication and Cybersecurity, Haula Galadima, confirmed that the platform is fully operational and ready for nationwide use. She encouraged MDAs, post-secondary schools, tertiary institutions, and private organisations to register their NERD focal officers via the agency’s website.
“NERD is a federation initiative and the federal standard for higher education digitisation, designed to protect national security and prestige, ensure education integrity, and digitally enhance the economic value of Nigeria’s education for global competitiveness,” Galadima said.
She added that NERD also manages the National School Number (NSN), National Credential Number (NCN), and National Document Number while maintaining a national database for verifying genuine honours.
The NERD Governing Council, chaired by the Minister of Education, comprises representatives from the NUC, NBTE, NCCE, National Library, Nigeria Data Protection Commission, as well as committees of vice chancellors, rectors, and provosts across the country.
