Nigeria's Federal Government Sets Oct 6 Deadline to Eradicate Fake Certificates

Nigeria's Federal Government Sets Oct 6 Deadline to Eradicate Fake Certificates

When the Federal Government of Nigeria announced a sweeping crackdown on fake certificates, the entire public‑service landscape stopped in its tracks. Starting , every ministry, agency, and higher‑learning institution must run staff qualifications through a brand‑new digital platform. The move, driven by a directive signed by George Akume, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, promises to make forged degrees a thing of the past.

Why Nigeria Needed a Hard‑Line Policy

For years, employers across Lagos, Abuja, and the wider federation have grappled with résumés featuring degrees from "diploma mills" – institutions that exist only on paper. A 2023 survey by the National Universities Commission (NUC) found that 12 % of newly hired university staff could not produce verifiable credentials. The fallout isn’t just administrative; it erodes public trust and threatens national security when unqualified professionals occupy critical roles.

"Our education system is a cornerstone of development," said Tunji Alausa, Minister of Education during the March 2025 launch of the verification platform. "If we can’t trust what’s on a CV, we can’t trust the services that follow."

Inside the National Credential Verification Service (NCVS)

The National Credential Verification Service (NCVS) is the digital engine behind the reform. Built into the broader National Education Repository and Databank (NERD), the system assigns each authentic certificate a unique National Credential Number (NCN) and a set of security codes. Think of it as a passport for a degree – once verified, the credential can be “checked” with a single click at ned.gov.ng/onboarding.

Under the hood, NCVS links the fragmented records of the NUC, the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), the National Commission for Colleges of Education (NCCE), the National Library, and the Nigeria Data Protection Commission. This multi‑agency council guarantees that data stays secure while remaining accessible for legitimate checks.

The Implementation Timeline

  • March 2025: Platform officially launched by Minister Alausa after Federal Executive Council approval.
  • April–June 2025: All public ministries and universities conduct pilot verifications; onboarding webinars hosted by NERD.
  • July 2025: Private sector institutions receive mandatory enrollment instructions.
  • October 6 2025: Deadline for every existing staff member and new hire to obtain NCVS clearance before appointment letters are signed.

Failure to comply after the cut‑off date will result in the automatic nullification of any pending appointment, and employers could face penalties up to ₦500,000 per violation.

Official Reactions and Early Feedback

"By October 6, fake degrees will no longer slip through the cracks," emphasized Haula Galadima, Executive Director for Communication and Cybersecurity at NERD. "Every credential presented in Nigeria must be verifiable at the click of a button."

University Vice‑Chancellors across the country have mostly welcomed the initiative, noting that it levels the playing field for genuine scholars. However, some private colleges warned of the short transition period, urging the government for additional technical support.

Potential Impact on Nigeria’s Global Standing

International partners, including the British Council and UNESCO, have praised the move as a model for other African nations wrestling with credential fraud. If successful, Nigeria could see a rise in foreign university collaborations and a smoother migration of skilled workers.

Economists also project a modest boost to public‑sector efficiency. A World Bank brief estimates that reducing fraudulent hires could save the government roughly ₦3 billion annually in salary overruns and procurement mishaps.

What Comes Next?

Post‑deadline, NERD will publish quarterly compliance reports, and the NCVS dashboard will become publicly viewable, allowing employers to verify credentials in real time. The government has hinted at extending the system to professional licensing bodies – think doctors, engineers, and pilots – within the next two years.

For now, the focus remains on full enrollment. Institutions are urged to appoint a “Focal Person” and a “Records Officer” by the end of September to avoid last‑minute bottlenecks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who must verify their credentials by October 6, 2025?

All current and prospective employees of Nigeria’s ministries, departments, agencies, and both public and private higher‑learning institutions must obtain clearance from the National Credential Verification Service before any appointment can be finalized.

What happens if an institution fails to meet the deadline?

Appointments without NCVS clearance will be considered null and void. Additionally, the institution may face administrative sanctions, including fines up to ₦500,000 per non‑compliant staff member.

How does the NCVS ensure data security?

The service operates under the oversight of the Nigeria Data Protection Commission, employing encryption, role‑based access controls, and regular audits to safeguard personal and academic data.

Will the verification system affect foreign degrees?

Yes. Foreign qualifications must be authenticated through the NCVS as well, using the credential‑verification channels set up with partner verification bodies abroad.

What support is available for institutions during onboarding?

NERD has rolled out a series of webinars, a 24/7 help‑desk, and step‑by‑step guides on its website. Institutions are encouraged to appoint a dedicated Focal Person to liaise directly with the platform team.