Nigeria’s Federal Government has intensified measures to stop certificate fraud by tightening the verification of academic records across tertiary institutions.
The move is part of broader reforms designed to improve transparency and protect the credibility of Nigeria’s education system.
The Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, disclosed the development during a national capacity-building programme focused on strengthening institutional compliance and academic record integrity.
According to the minister, the government is deploying the Nigeria Education Repository and Data Bank (NERD)—a national digital platform that will standardise, store, and authenticate academic credentials issued by Nigerian tertiary institutions.
The initiative follows investigations that revealed some Nigerians obtained questionable degrees from unaccredited institutions abroad, particularly from diploma mills offering certificates within unusually short periods.
Nigeria Education Repository to Verify Academic Credentials
The NERD platform is designed to serve as a centralised database for academic records.
It will assign national credential numbers, track certificates issued by accredited institutions, and maintain a digital footprint of every academic qualification obtained in Nigeria.
Within four months of enforcement, the platform has already recorded significant progress:
Nearly 100,000 digital student submissions preserved
Over 250 universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education onboarded
More than 133,000 students and 6,800 lecturers registered
About 655 institutional focal persons participating nationwide
The system also includes services such as a National Credential Verification Service, a National Student Clearinghouse, and a repository for theses, abstracts, and academic publications.
Fake Degree Crackdown in Public Service
Alausa revealed that the government launched investigations after whistleblowers exposed Nigerians obtaining fake degrees from questionable institutions, particularly in neighbouring countries such as Benin.
Following the probe, authorities dismissed several individuals who presented illegal certificates to secure employment in Nigeria’s public service.
“Education is a covenant between the state and its citizens,” the minister said, stressing that academic certificates must reflect legitimate study and recognised standards.
NERD Compliance Now Linked to NYSC
The government has also made compliance with the NERD platform a requirement for participation in the National Youth Service Corps programme.
In addition, agencies such as the National Universities Commission and Tertiary Education Trust Fund will require institutional compliance before providing services or funding.
Officials say the reform will strengthen Nigeria’s academic integrity, reduce credential falsification, and improve the global credibility of Nigerian degrees.
