FG MOVES ACADEMIC CERTIFICATE VERIFICATION FULLY ONLINE

The Federal Government has introduced a fully digital system that allows Nigerians to authenticate academic qualifications and evaluate foreign certificates without visiting the Federal Ministry of Education in person. The service is available through the Ministry’s ESSVerify portal, which also allows users to verify documents previously issued through its Education Support Services.

The Federal Ministry of Education completed the digitisation of its Education Support Services in April 2026, bringing certificate verification and other related processes online. The platform is designed to make it easier for individuals seeking employment, further education or migration opportunities to obtain official confirmation of their qualifications without going through the previous physical verification process.

For Nigerians who want to use their local academic qualifications abroad, the portal provides an authentication service to confirm the validity of their certificates. Those who obtained qualifications outside Nigeria can instead apply for an evaluation, which determines how their foreign credentials can be recognised for purposes such as employment, NYSC and other official requirements. The portal also offers eligibility or English proficiency letters and letters of no objection for qualifying applicants and institutions.

People seeking to verify an already-issued document can do so by visiting the ESSVerify portal, selecting the document verification option and entering the document number displayed on the relevant certificate or letter. The system then indicates whether the document is genuine. Applicants seeking authentication or evaluation must create an account, verify their email, complete their profile and select the specific service they require before submitting their qualification details and supporting documents.

The move is expected to reduce the time and inconvenience associated with certificate verification while improving access to the Ministry’s services. It also provides employers, schools and other organisations with a digital means of checking documents issued through the Ministry, supporting efforts to strengthen the credibility and verification of academic qualifications in Nigeria.