The Federal Government has fixed October 6, 2025, as the start date for the nationwide enforcement of academic credential verification under the National Policy for the Nigerian Education Repository and Databank.
This was disclosed in a circular signed by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, dated August 8 and released to reporters in Abuja on Wednesday.
According to the directive, all Ministries, Departments, Agencies, and higher institutions across Nigeria must put in place a structured verification process for the academic certificates of all serving and prospective staff. The exercise will be handled through the National Credential Verification Service (NCVS) under the NERD programme.
Akume said no appointment will be confirmed without clearance from NCVS.
“Effective from October 6, 2025, all Ministries, Departments and Agencies as well as 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. Each new recruitment must secure instant NCVS clearance, which affirms the authenticity of every academic credential presented before confirming appointment,” he stated.
The SGF explained that each verified credential would carry a National Credential Number with security codes for official record purposes. He stressed that all qualifications must come from accredited institutions and be easily identifiable, traceable, and verifiable.
“This reform removes the old reliance on individual schools for certificate checks and instead provides a national quality assurance system protected from compromise,” Akume added.
The policy is backed by Section 10(1) of the Education (National Minimum Standards and Establishment of Institutions) Act of 1985, which gives enforcement powers to NERD.
Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, who introduced the NCVS after Federal Executive Council approval in March, described it as a tool to tackle fake degrees, forged certificates, and unearned honours.
Also confirming readiness for implementation, Haula Galadima, Executive Director of Communication and Cybersecurity at NERD, said the scheme would safeguard Nigeria’s education sector.
“NERD is a federal standard for higher education digitisation, designed to protect national security, ensure education integrity, and improve the global competitiveness of Nigerian education,” she said.
Galadima explained that the initiative also covers the administration of the National School Number (NSN), National Credential Number (NCN), and National Document Number, while hosting a national database for verifying genuine honours.
She urged MDAs, tertiary schools, and private institutions to register their NERD Focal Persons and Digitisation Officers on the agency’s website for smooth compliance.
The NERD Governing Council, chaired by the Minister of Education, includes the leadership of NUC, NBTE, NCCE, the National Library, the Nigeria Data Protection Commission, and committees of vice chancellors, rectors, and provosts across the country.
