The Federal Ministry of Education is considering assessment tests for Nigerians who obtained degrees from foreign universities, particularly in Africa, to tackle certificate fraud and strengthen the recognition of foreign qualifications.
Follow us on Google News
The proposal was raised at the 37th Meeting of the National Standing Committee (NSC) on Evaluation of Foreign Qualifications in Abuja. Members were asked to consider checks on certificates submitted for recognition and National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) mobilisation.
Dr Folake Olatunji-David, Director Overseeing the Office of the Permanent Secretary at the Federal Ministry of Education, said Nigeria remained committed to international education but must protect academic standards.
She said recognised qualifications should represent genuine learning and relevant skills.
Why FG is considering the test
Olatunji-David said more Nigerians were pursuing higher education abroad, particularly in West African countries. She said this made stronger verification necessary, including possible assessment tests.
The proposed tests would help establish whether applicants attended the institutions named on their certificates and acquired the qualifications they claim to hold. The move aims to prevent fraudulent certificates being used officially.
However, the ministry has not announced that the test has been approved or introduced. The proposal remains under consideration. No examination date, registration process or implementation guidelines have been released.
Foreign certificate verification becomes digital
The ministry said it had digitalised foreign qualification evaluation and Nigerian certificate authentication this year.
According to Olatunji-David, the changes are intended to make the processes more transparent, efficient and accessible. Direct payment of fees into government accounts has also strengthened revenue generation.
The ministry evaluates foreign qualifications, issues NYSC clearance letters and authenticates certificates for Nigerians seeking work or further studies abroad.
It also processes no-objection letters and statements of proficiency, while checking foreign institutions’ accreditation with relevant authorities and regulators.
Other issues before the committee
The NSC will consider guidelines for letters of no objection for proposed institutions seeking registration with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), and compliance by foreign-curriculum schools operating in Nigeria.
Members will review how students in such schools can prepare for recognised examinations, including the West African Examinations Council (WAEC), National Examinations Council (NECO) and National Business and Technical Examinations Board (NABTEB).
The committee will also examine recognition of foreign secondary-school qualifications, including United States and Canadian High School Diplomas and the French Baccalaureate, for admission into Nigerian tertiary institutions.
What this means for Nigerians who studied abroad
Nigerians with foreign degrees should continue following existing qualification evaluation and NYSC procedures. The proposed assessment is not yet a new requirement, and graduates should not pay anyone claiming to offer access to a new test.
The ministry says it will strengthen verification to ensure that only genuine qualifications from recognised and accredited institutions receive official recognition.
