For years, the specter of certificate racketeering and fake degrees has undermined the integrity of Nigeria's education system and workforce. In a decisive move to end this era, the Federal Government has launched a mandatory, nationwide academic credential verification system.
This article breaks down everything you need to know about this landmark policy, its implications for students and graduates of Benin Republic universities, and the steps you must take to ensure your qualifications are recognized.
The Official Directive: A Nationwide Crackdown
In a service-wide circular dated August 8, 2025, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, announced that all Ministries, Departments, Agencies (MDAs), and higher institutions in Nigeria must commence a structured verification of academic credentials for all staff and prospective employees from October 6, 2025 .
The key mandate is clear: no appointment will be confirmed without a clearance certificate from the new National Credential Verification Service (NCVS) . This applies to all sectors, whether civilian or military, public or private .
Understanding the New System: NCVS and NERD
The new verification process will be conducted through two key platforms:
· NERD (Nigeria Education Repository and Databank): This is the overarching federal initiative and digital platform that serves as the official one-stop shop for higher education digitization. It is designed to host a centralized, verifiable repository of all academic credentials .
· NCVS (National Credential Verification Service): This is the specific service under the NERD programme that will handle the actual verification of certificates, diplomas, and awards. Every verified credential will be assigned a unique National Credential Number (NCN) and security codes, making it instantly traceable and verifiable online .
This system marks a radical departure from the old, unreliable process where institutions were solely relied upon for verification. The new framework establishes a national quality assurance mechanism that is insulated from compromise .
Why This Policy Matters Now
This crackdown is a direct response to the pervasive issue of certificate racketeering, which includes the proliferation of 'diploma mills', unaccredited institutions that issue fraudulent degrees . According to the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, the NCVS was specifically designed to "curtail academic fraud, fake degrees, and bogus honours that have undermined the credibility of Nigeria’s education system for years" .
The government aims to restore trust in Nigerian qualifications, protect national security, and enhance the global competitiveness of Nigerian graduates .
Specific Implications for Graduates of Benin Republic Universities
For the large community of Nigerian students who have studied or are planning to study in the Benin Republic, this policy has specific, important implications:
1. Mandatory Authentication for All Degrees: Your degree from a Benin Republic university must now go through a rigorous authentication process to be accepted in Nigeria. This involves more than just a transcript from your university .
2. The Multi-Step Authentication Process: To be ready for the NCVS, graduates of Benin Republic universities typically need to complete a multi-step legalization process :
· Internal Verification: Your university in Benin must first verify your result and issue your transcript and certificate.
· Legalization by Benin's Ministry of Higher Education: The documents are checked against the institution's accreditation status.
· Authentication at Benin's Ministry of Foreign Affairs: This step legalizes the documents for international use.
· Authentication at the Nigerian Embassy in Cotonou: The documents are further authenticated for Nigeria.
· Final Authentication at Nigeria's Ministry of Foreign Affairs: Upon returning to Nigeria, the documents are submitted to the ministry in Abuja for final attestation .
3. NYSC Mobilization: This authentication process is now integral to the updated NYSC eligibility policy. Failure to complete it will lead to disqualification from the national service scheme .
Actionable Advice for Students and Graduates
In light of this new enforcement, here is what you need to do:
· For Prospective Students: Before enrolling in any university in the Benin Republic, verify that the institution is accredited and recognized by the Nigerian government through the National Universities Commission (NUC). This foresight will save you future headaches.
· For Current Students: Keep all your academic records safe and ensure you obtain official transcripts and certificates upon graduation.
· For Graduates: Start the authentication process early. The legalization and verification chain can be time-consuming. It is advisable to begin the process immediately if you haven't already, especially with the October 6 deadline in effect .
This new policy, while strict, is a positive step toward ensuring that genuine qualifications are valued and recognized. For honest students and graduates, it levels the playing field and protects the value of your hard-earned degree.