FG Sets October 6 Deadline For Nationwide Crackdown On Fake Certificates

The Federal Government has escalated its campaign against certificate racketeering and academic fraud, ordering the nationwide implementation of academic credential verification starting October 6, 2025.

The directive, outlined in a service-wide circular signed by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, mandates all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), as well as public and private higher institutions, to enforce compulsory credential checks under the National Policy for the Nigeria Education Repository and Databank (NERD).

This policy stipulates that all current and prospective employees must secure clearance through the National Credential Verification Service (NCVS) before their appointments can be finalized. Each clearance will include a National Credential Number (NCN) and security codes, ensuring that all verified certificates, diplomas, and awards are traceable and instantly verifiable.

This reform represents a shift from earlier measures by establishing a comprehensive quality assurance framework independent of any single institution. The NCVS, officially introduced in March 2025 by the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, was endorsed by the Federal Executive Council as a definitive step to eliminate fake degrees and “diploma mill” practices that undermine the integrity of Nigeria’s education system.

Ms. Haula Galadima, Executive Director of Communication and Cybersecurity for NERD, confirmed that all services are fully operational and encouraged employers to register their Focal Persons and Records Officers through ned.gov.ng/onboarding.

“By October 6, fake degrees and unearned honours will no longer slip through the cracks. Every credential presented in Nigeria must be verifiable at the click of a button,” Galadima emphasized.

The NERD system is designed to bolster national security, protect the integrity of education, and elevate the global competitiveness of Nigeria’s academic system by creating a federated, one-stop digital platform that connects decentralized institutional databases.

A Gentle Reminder: Every obstacle is a stepping stone, every morning; a chance to go again, and those little steps take you closer to your dream.

Nnamdi Okoli