The Federal Ministry of Education has announced that Nigerians can now apply online to authenticate Nigerian academic qualifications and evaluate foreign qualifications through its ESSVerify portal, eliminating the need for physical visits to the ministry.

The ministry said the digital platform also enables users to verify documents previously issued through its Education Sector Support and 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 digitised in April 2026 with the launch of the ESSVerify portal, which replaced the previous physical verification process. Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, reaffirmed on Wednesday that the digitisation process had been completed.

The ministry advised applicants to first identify the service they require, noting that the portal provides separate application options for different academic credential needs.

It explained that holders of Nigerian academic qualifications who intend to use their certificates abroad can apply for authentication, which verifies credentials for purposes such as further studies, employment and migration.

For individuals who obtained qualifications outside Nigeria and intend to use them in the country, the ministry said the evaluation service assesses foreign academic credentials for employment, National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) mobilisation and other official purposes.

The portal also allows applicants to request eligibility or proficiency letters to confirm their suitability for admission into foreign institutions or for employment requirements. In addition, institutions and organisations seeking the ministry’s approval for programmes or partnerships can apply for letters of no objection through the platform.

Here is how to verify an already-issued ESS document

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.

To verify an existing document:

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”.

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The system will indicate whether the document is genuine.

How to authenticate or evaluate your academic certificate

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.

To begin:

Visit the ESSVerify portal and click “Start an application”.

Create an account using a valid email address, verify the email and complete your profile.

Log in and select the service required – Authentication, Evaluation, Eligibility/English Proficiency Letter or Letter of No Objection.

Provide the required personal and qualification details.

Select the documents to be processed and indicate the number of pages as required by the application.

Generate the Remita Retrieval Reference and make the required payment. Payments are non-refundable.

Upload clear and legible scanned copies of the required documents.

Where an official transcript is required, contact the registry of the awarding institution and request that the transcript be sent directly from the institution to the designated email address. (The Nation)