The Federal Government has announced a nationwide enforcement of the National Policy for the Nigerian Education Repository and Databank concerning academic credential verification. This enforcement is scheduled to commence on October 6, 2025.
According to a circular issued by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, dated 8 August and made available to newsmen in Abuja on Wednesday, all Ministries, Departments, Agencies, and higher institutions in Nigeria must implement a structured verification process for the academic credentials of all current and prospective staff.
This process is to be conducted through the National Credential Verification Service (NCVS) under the NERD programme. Akume emphasised that no appointment will be confirmed without NCVS clearance, affirming the authenticity of academic qualifications presented.
He stated, “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.” Each clearance will carry a National Credential Number and ancillary security codes for record purposes. Akume explained that the reform means every certificate, diploma, honour, or award presented in Nigeria must be earned from an accredited institution and be identifiable, traceable, verifiable, and validated at the click of a button.
She urged Ministries, Departments and Agencies, post-secondary schools, tertiary institutions, and the private sector to enrol their NERD Focal Persons and Digitisation Officers via the agency’s website.