The Federal Government is partnering with the National Youth Service Corps to strengthen digital verification of academic credentials and tackle the growing problem of certificate racketeering.
The initiative is expected to integrate NYSC’s verification processes with the Nigeria Education Repository and Databank, creating a more reliable system for confirming the authenticity of certificates presented by graduates.
The move is part of wider government efforts to improve the integrity and traceability of academic records while making it more difficult for individuals to use forged or questionable qualifications.
Under the broader NERD policy, the government has introduced digital systems designed to maintain verifiable records of academic credentials issued by accredited institutions.
The Federal Government has also made compliance with the NERD framework a requirement for graduates seeking mobilisation for, or exemption from, the NYSC scheme.
Officials said the digital approach would reduce dependence on manual verification and allow relevant authorities to identify inconsistencies in academic records more efficiently.
The partnership is expected to strengthen coordination between the NYSC and education-sector agencies while improving the credibility of certificates used for national service, employment and other official purposes.
The government said the reforms form part of its wider efforts to protect the integrity of Nigeria’s education system and eliminate certificate fraud.
