The Federal Government has announced that from October 6, 2025, all academic credentials in Nigeria must be verified through the National Credential Verification Service (NCVS) under the Nigerian Education Repository and Databank (NERD).
In a circular issued by the SGF, Senator George Akume on August 8, and made available to journalists in Abuja on Wednesday, all Ministries, Departments, Agencies (MDAs) and higher institutions—public, private, civilian, or military—must confirm the authenticity of staff and new recruits’ certificates before appointments are approved.
Each verified document will carry a National Credential Number and security codes, making every certificate traceable and instantly verifiable.
Education Minister Dr. Tunji Alausa said the policy is designed to stop fake degrees and academic fraud, while NERD’s Executive Director, Haula Galadima, confirmed the system is ready for nationwide use.
The NERD Governing Council, chaired by the Minister of Education, includes the NUC, NBTE, NCCE, National Library, Nigeria Data Protection Commission, and committees of university vice chancellors, rectors, and provosts.
