The Federal Government of Nigeria (FG) has announced that, beginning October 6, 2025, it will enforce a nationwide verification of academic credentials for all graduates seeking employment, NYSC mobilization, or professional licensing. This directive aims to curb the rising cases of forged certificates, inflated qualifications, and fraudulent academic records, ensuring integrity in Nigeria’s education and workforce sectors.
Purpose of the Credential Verification Policy
The nationwide verification initiative seeks to:
- Eliminate fake or fraudulent academic certificates from circulation.
- Enhance trust in Nigerian educational institutions.
- Ensure that all graduates meet the minimum requirements for employment, NYSC, or professional registration.
- Strengthen the accountability of institutions and graduates alike.
By implementing a rigorous verification process, the government intends to uphold standards in both private and public sector employment and ensure that graduates are authentic and qualified.
Who is Affected by the Policy
The verification mandate affects a wide range of individuals and institutions, including:
- All Nigerian university and polytechnic graduates.
- Students applying for NYSC mobilization from October 2025 onward.
- Professionals seeking registration with regulatory bodies (e.g., NUC, NBTE, COREN, NIM, etc.).
- Government agencies and private companies employing graduates.
- Educational institutions responsible for issuing credentials.
How the Verification Process Will Work
The FG has mandated that verification will be conducted through both online and physical channels to ensure accuracy. The process involves:
- Graduates submit their academic credentials to the designated verification portal.
- Educational institutions confirm the authenticity of submitted certificates or transcripts.
- Verification teams cross-check submitted credentials against official records maintained by the National Universities Commission (NUC), NBTE, or other relevant bodies.
- Upon validation, graduates receive a verification certificate or confirmation code, which may be required for NYSC mobilization, employment, or professional registration.
Requirements for Graduates
To comply with the nationwide verification, graduates should prepare the following:
- Original and scanned copies of degree or HND certificates.
- Official transcripts or academic records.
- Proof of graduation or school completion, including thesis or project submission.
- Valid identification documents such as National ID, Voter’s Card, or International Passport.
- Active email and phone number for correspondence and verification code issuance.
Graduates are encouraged to ensure that their documents are authentic and complete to avoid delays or rejection during verification.
Timeline and Deadlines
The nationwide verification will officially commence on October 6, 2025. Key deadlines include:
- October 6, 2025 – Verification process begins for all new graduates.
- October 31, 2025 – Deadline for graduates seeking NYSC 2025 Batch B mobilization to complete verification.
- Ongoing – Graduates applying for employment or professional registration must verify credentials before submission.
It is important for graduates to adhere strictly to the deadlines to avoid ineligibility for NYSC mobilization or employment opportunities.
Implications for NYSC Mobilization
The nationwide verification directly impacts NYSC mobilization. Graduates who fail to verify their credentials by the deadline may be denied call-up letters. NYSC has emphasized that only verified graduates will be allowed to participate in the program, ensuring that all mobilized participants have authentic qualifications.
Benefits of the Verification Policy
The nationwide verification initiative has several benefits, including:
- Improving the quality and credibility of Nigerian graduates.
- Reducing the circulation of fake academic certificates.
- Enhancing employers’ confidence in hiring verified graduates.
- Encouraging educational institutions to maintain proper record-keeping and accountability.
- Aligning Nigeria’s academic and professional standards with international best practices.
Challenges and Recommendations
While the policy is laudable, there may be challenges such as:
- Delayed responses from institutions in verifying credentials.
- Technical difficulties on the online verification portal.
- Potential fraudsters attempting to bypass verification.
To overcome these challenges, graduates are advised to:
- Start verification early to avoid last-minute issues.
- Ensure all documents are accurate, complete, and officially recognized.
- Follow only official government verification portals and channels.
- Stay updated through reputable sources like Realitychannel for announcements and procedural changes.
Steps to Verify Academic Credentials
Here’s a step-by-step approach to ensure smooth verification:
- Visit the official academic verification portal provided by your institution or FG.
- Register using your email, phone number, and personal details.
- Upload scanned copies of your certificates, transcripts, and other required documents.
- Wait for the institution or regulatory body to verify your submission.
- Obtain a verification certificate or code and keep it safely for NYSC or employment purposes.
- Follow up with your institution if verification is delayed beyond the expected timeframe.
Conclusion
The Federal Government’s enforcement of nationwide verification of academic credentials from October 6, 2025 marks a significant step toward enhancing the credibility of Nigerian graduates. By ensuring that all academic certificates are authentic, the initiative protects employers, regulatory bodies, and the integrity of national service programs like NYSC. Graduates, institutions, and stakeholders must comply fully to avoid ineligibility or delays in mobilization and employment. Staying informed and prepared will ensure a seamless verification process, paving the way for a transparent, accountable, and competent workforce.
