FG Launches New Certificate Verification System for NYSC Members, Public Service Recruits

The federal government has introduced a new certificate verification system to curb the use of fake academic qualifications in the public service and the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC). In a circular dated 8 August, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, directed all ministries, departments and agencies to begin using the National Credential Verification Service (NCVS) to authenticate the certificates of both existing staff and new recruits.

The initiative, which was approved by the Federal Executive Council in February, will officially take effect from 6 October 2025. Under the new process, every verified certificate will be assigned a National Credential Number through the Nigeria Education Repository and Databank (NERD), which will serve as a central reference point for academic records across the country. Each government agency is also required to submit an annual compliance report to NERD by 30 March.

To ensure effective implementation, ministries and agencies are to appoint designated officers who will oversee the process, including focal officers, institution record officers and digitisation officers. These officials will be responsible for uploading institution-approved records, digitising academic work and ensuring proper verification procedures. The circular further states that compliance with the new system is now mandatory for all prospective NYSC members, whether they studied in Nigeria or abroad, meaning no graduate can be mobilised for service without going through the verification process.

The government added that academic journals indexed under NERD will be granted recognition equivalent to those listed in international databases such as Scopus. Ministries and agencies have also been directed to make budgetary provisions for verification officers and logistics, while integration with the National Identity Management Commission is expected to allow seamless data validation. Officials emphasised that compliance with the NERD policy will become a precondition for accessing services and privileges across relevant government agencies.