Nigerians can now authenticate academic certificates and evaluate foreign certificates online through the Federal Ministry of Education’s ESSVerify portal, eliminating the need for physical visits to the ministry.
The ministry said the digital platform also allows users to verify documents previously issued through its Education Sector Support Services, ESS, as well as apply for eligibility or proficiency letters and letters of no objection.
According to the ministry, the Education Sector Support Services were fully digitized in April 2026 following the launch of the ESSVerify portal, which replaced the previous physical verification process.
The Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, reaffirmed on Wednesday that the digitization process had been completed, describing the development as part of efforts to make education-related government services more accessible and efficient.
The ministry advised applicants to first identify the specific service they require because the portal provides separate options for different academic credential needs.
Nigerians holding academic certificates issued within the country who intend to use their academic certificates abroad can apply for authentication through the platform.
The ministry said the authentication service verifies Nigerian academic credentials for purposes including further studies, employment and migration.
Individuals who obtained their qualifications outside Nigeria and intend to use them in the country can apply for evaluation.
The evaluation process assesses foreign academic certificates for employment, National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, mobilization and other official purposes.
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The portal also allows applicants to request eligibility or proficiency letters to confirm their suitability for admission into foreign institutions or to meet certain employment requirements.
Institutions and organizations seeking government approval for programmes or partnerships can also apply for letters of no objection through the platform.
How to verify an already-issued ESS document
The option to verify an existing document is different from applying to authenticate or evaluate an academic certificate.
It is designed for employers, schools, organizations and individuals who want to confirm the authenticity of a document previously issued by the Ministry of Education through its Education Sector Support Services.
To verify an existing ESS document:
Visit the ESSVerify portal: ESSVerify portal
Select “Verify a document” or the relevant document-verification option displayed on the portal.
Enter the document number displayed on the ESS-issued certificate or letter.
Click “Verify” to submit the request.
Applicants should carefully enter the document number exactly as it appears on the original ESS-issued document to avoid errors during the verification process.
The online system provides a more convenient alternative to the previous physical process, allowing users to access several education-related services remotely.
The ministry’s digitization of the ESS services is also expected to make it easier for employers, educational institutions and other organizations to confirm academic documents without requiring applicants to visit government offices physically.
The Nation
