(DDM) – The Federal Government has announced that a mandatory nationwide verification of academic certificates will commence on October 6, 2025.
Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) gathered that the directive was issued through the office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, and will affect all Ministries, Departments, Agencies, and tertiary institutions.
The new exercise will be executed under the National Credential Verification Service, operated by the Nigeria Education Repository and Databank (NERD).
Every certificate will henceforth carry a unique National Credential Number and security codes designed to ensure traceability and authenticity.
Authorities described the initiative as a critical reform aimed at ending decades of fake degrees and fraudulent qualifications that have damaged Nigeria’s global image.
NERD’s Governing Council, which includes universities, polytechnics, colleges of education, and regulatory agencies, will provide oversight and ensure transparency.
Officials insist the measure is not only about education integrity but also a matter of national security and competitiveness.
By creating a tamper-proof verification system, government hopes to restore credibility to Nigeria’s academic institutions.
Stakeholders say the move will also protect deserving graduates, preventing their achievements from being undermined by widespread certificate fraud.
Employers, both domestic and international, are expected to benefit from the reform, as the centralized system will make it easier to verify credentials of job applicants.
Analysts argue that the policy could deter fraudulent recruitment and appointments in government, politics, and the private sector.
The reform is also expected to increase international trust in Nigerian-trained professionals and improve their chances in global labour markets.
For decades, the prevalence of fake degrees has haunted Nigeria, with scandals rocking both public institutions and political office holders.
The October rollout is therefore seen as one of the boldest steps yet to address the crisis and safeguard the future of Nigerian education.
Officials reaffirmed their commitment to enforcing strict compliance across all institutions, warning that attempts to evade the system would attract sanctions.