STEP-BY-STEP: How to verify your academic certificates online

The Federal Ministry of Education has launched an online platform through which Nigerians can apply for the authentication of Nigerian academic credentials and assessment of foreign qualifications via its ESSVerify portal without having to physically visit the ministry. NigeriaTravel Guides The ministry said the online platform further allows users to verify earlier issued documents through its Education Sector Support and Services (ESS), as well as apply for eligibility or proficiency letters and letters of no objection.

The ministry said the Education Sector Support Services were fully digitized in April 2026 with the launch of the ESSVerify portal, replacing the previous physical verification process. On Wednesday, the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, said that the digitization process had been completed.

The ministry told applicants they should first determine the service they need, noting the portal has different application options for different academic credential needs.

It said holders of Nigerian academic qualification who wish to use their certificates abroad may apply for authentication, which authenticates credentials for purpose of further studies, employment and migration.

The ministry said the evaluation service was for the assessment of foreign academic qualifications for employment, National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) mobilization and other official purposes for people who obtained qualifications outside the country and intend to use them in Nigeria.

Applicants can also use the portal to request for eligibility letters or proficiency letters confirming their suitability for admission in foreign institutions or for employment requirements. The platform also facilitates applications for letters of no objection from institutions and organizations needing the ministry’s approval for programs or partnerships.

How to verify an already issued ESS document

This option is different from application of to authenticate or evaluate a certificate. It is for employers, schools, organizations or individuals who want to verify the authenticity of a document issued by the Ministry via ESS.
To see if a document exists:

Go to 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 on the certificate or letter issued by ESS.

Click \”Verify\” to submit the request.

How to Confirm or Validate Your Academic Certificate

Applicants seeking authentication of a Nigerian qualification or evaluation of a foreign qualification will need to make a full application through the portal.

To start:

Go to the ESSVerify portal and click “Start an application”.

Sign up with a valid email address. Confirm the email and fill your profile.

Log in and pick the service you want: Authentication, Evaluation, Eligibility/English Proficiency Letter or Letter of No Objection.

Complete required personal and qualification details.

Choose the documents to be processed and type in the number of pages, as the application requests.

Generate the Remita retrieval reference and effect payment. All payments are non-refundable.

Upload clear, legible scanned copies of the documents you need to provide.

When an official transcript is needed, contact the registry of the awarding institution and ask that the transcript be sent directly to the email address specified.