The Federal Government has announced plans to commence nationwide verification of academic certificates for all public sector employees and new recruits, beginning October 6, 2025.
According to a statement released in Abuja, the exercise will cover ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs), with the aim of curbing the rising incidence of certificate forgery and ensuring that only qualified personnel remain in service.
Officials explained that the verification process will involve collaboration with universities, polytechnics, and examination bodies both within and outside Nigeria. Digital platforms will also be deployed to track, authenticate, and archive records of employees’ academic qualifications.
Government sources disclosed that the initiative forms part of ongoing reforms to improve efficiency and integrity in the civil service. “This verification will not only help eliminate fake certificates but also restore confidence in the recruitment and promotion processes across the public service,” the statement noted.
The exercise is expected to be phased, starting with federal workers before extending to parastatals and agencies. Newly recruited staff will also be required to undergo screening before confirmation of their appointments.
Analysts have described the policy as a decisive step in addressing a long-standing problem in Nigeria’s workforce, where cases of falsified credentials have repeatedly undermined standards and productivity. However, they stress that implementation must be transparent and free of bias to achieve its objectives.
The verification programme, once fully operational, is anticipated to serve as a reference framework for both public and private sector employers, setting a new standard for accountability in Nigeria’s labour system.
