Nigerians can now apply for the authentication of Nigerian academic qualifications and evaluation of foreign qualifications online through the Federal Ministry of Education’s ESSVerify portal, without visiting the Ministry physically.

🇳🇬 Here's What Happened

The platform also allows users to verify documents already issued through the Ministry’s Education Sector Support and Services, as well as apply for eligibility or proficiency letters and letters of no objection.

Education Support Services was fully digitised end-to-end, including certificate verification and foreign applicants’ processes, in April 2026, when the Ministry launched the fully online ESSVerify portal and ended physical verification. Minister Alausa reconfirmed on Wednesday that the digitisation had already been completed.

The first step is to determine the service required, as the portal has separate options for different academic credential needs.

📌 Key Details

Those seeking to use a Nigerian certificate abroad can apply for authentication, which is designed to verify Nigerian qualifications for purposes such as further studies, employment or migration.

Those who obtained qualifications outside Nigeria and need to use them in the country can apply for evaluation. The Ministry assesses foreign qualifications for purposes including employment, NYSC and other official uses.

The portal also provides eligibility or proficiency letters for people who need confirmation of their suitability for admission abroad or employment requirements, while institutions or organisations seeking Ministry clearance for programmes or partnerships can apply for a letter of no objection.

This option is different from applying to authenticate or evaluate a certificate. It is intended for employers, schools, organisations or individuals who want to check the authenticity of a document issued by the Ministry through ESS.

Visit the ESSVerify portal at https://essverify.education.gov.ng/ Click on “Verify a document” or the corresponding document-verification option on the portal. Enter the document number displayed on the ESS-issued certificate or letter. Submit the request by clicking “Verify” .

Applicants who want to obtain authentication for a Nigerian qualification or evaluation of a foreign qualification will need to make a full application through the portal.

📰 Source: Punch Nigeria