The Federal Ministry of Education has fully transitioned to a digital system for academic credential processing, enabling Nigerians to verify and authenticate qualifications through the FG Academic Certificate Verification Portal without visiting government offices.

The development follows the nationwide rollout of the Education Sector Support and Services platform, known as ESSVerify, which was completed in April 2026 as part of broader efforts to modernise public service delivery.

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Officials at the Ministry confirmed that the portal now handles a range of services, including authentication of Nigerian certificates, evaluation of foreign qualifications, and verification of previously issued documents.

The system also supports applications for eligibility or proficiency letters and letters of no objection for institutional partnerships.

According to the Ministry, the shift to a fully online process is designed to improve transparency and reduce delays that had long characterised manual verification procedures.

The reform is widely seen as a significant step in tackling certificate fraud, a persistent challenge within Nigeria’s education and employment sectors.

Users seeking to confirm the authenticity of documents issued through the Ministry can access the FG Academic Certificate Verification Portal and input the document number provided on official certificates or letters.

The system then generates a verification status, offering a swift and reliable check for employers, institutions and individuals.

For applicants requiring authentication of Nigerian qualifications for use abroad, the portal provides a structured application process.

Similarly, individuals with foreign credentials can request official evaluation to support employment, National Youth Service Corps placement, or further education within Nigeria.

The Ministry emphasised that applicants must create an account, submit relevant personal and academic details, and upload clear scanned copies of required documents.

Where transcripts are necessary, institutions are expected to send them directly to designated official channels, ensuring integrity in the process.

Education analysts note that digital verification systems have become increasingly vital globally, particularly as cross border education and employment mobility continue to expand.

Nigeria’s adoption of an end to end platform aligns with similar reforms in other countries seeking to strengthen trust in academic credentials.

While the platform promises a more seamless experience, stakeholders say its long term success will depend on consistent system performance, user awareness and cooperation from academic institutions in providing timely documentation.

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The Federal Government has framed the initiative as part of a wider digital transformation agenda, aimed at delivering faster, more accountable public services while restoring confidence in Nigeria’s education records.