FG Mandates Nationwide Academic Credential Verification For Public, Private Sector Workers

The Federal Government has taken decisive steps to curb the proliferation of forged academic certificates by directing all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), including military and paramilitary formations, to commence mandatory verification of staff credentials from October 6, 2025.

In a circular dated August 8, 2025, with reference number 58524/111C/579 and endorsed by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume (CON), the government ordered the full implementation of the National Policy for the Nigeria Education Repository and Databank (NERD) across the country.

Under the new directive, all appointments and promotions in the federal civil service and other public institutions will only be confirmed after instant clearance through the National Credential Verification Service (NCVS). Each verified document will be issued a National Credential Number (NCN) and unique security codes, creating a secure record for future reference.

This centralized verification process marks a significant shift away from reliance on issuing institutions, introducing an independent quality assurance mechanism that minimizes the risk of bias or collusion.

The NERD initiative, proposed by the National Universities Commission (NUC) in May 2023 and approved by the Federal Executive Council in March 2025, is designed to combat the menace of counterfeit degrees, fraudulent qualifications, and certificates from unaccredited institutions. The Bureau of Public Service Reforms estimates that approximately 720,000 federal civil servants will be impacted by the exercise.

Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, who inaugurated the NCVS earlier this year, described it as a “comprehensive nationwide initiative to restore integrity to Nigeria’s education system.” He emphasized that the project is crucial for safeguarding the credibility of academic qualifications and ensuring that only genuinely qualified individuals hold public or private sector positions.

In line with the directive, all MDAs, military and paramilitary agencies, and higher institutions — both public and private — are required to submit their annual compliance reports to NERD by March 30 of every year.

Observers say the move signals a new era of accountability in Nigeria’s public service and could become a model for private sector recruitment processes.