The Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN) has announced the commencement of the verification of certificates for all current staff and recruits across Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) from October 6, 2025.
This was made known in a circular dated August 8 and issued by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Sen. George Akume.
The statement reads in part, “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 (NCVS) of the Nigeria Education Repository and Databank (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.”
According to the statement, each clearance will have a National Credential Number and QR codes on certificates and transcripts in order to ensure all credentials are stored in a central, digital, and verifiable repository in order to curtail fake degrees.
This move aims to move away from the traditional system where individual institutions are responsible for verifying credentials to a national platform that provides an instant and traceable validation of credentials.