Nigerians no longer need to visit the Federal Ministry of Education physically to process several academic certificate-related services, as the government has moved the process fully online.
Through the Federal Ministry of Education’s ESSVerify portal, applicants can apply for authentication of Nigerian academic qualifications, evaluation of foreign certificates and other education-related documents.
The platform also allows users to verify documents previously issued through the Ministry’s Education Sector Support and Services (ESS).
The Ministry completed the digitisation of its Education Support Services in April 2026, bringing certificate verification and foreign qualification processes online and ending the previous physical verification process.
Education Minister, Dr Tunji Alausa, reconfirmed the development on Wednesday.
Services Available on ESSVerify
Applicants can access different services depending on their needs.
1. Authentication of Nigerian Certificates
Nigerians who obtained their academic qualifications from institutions in the country can apply for authentication when their certificates are required for purposes such as employment, further education or migration.
2. Evaluation of Foreign Qualifications
People who obtained academic qualifications outside Nigeria can apply for evaluation. The Ministry assesses the foreign credentials for purposes including employment, NYSC and other official requirements.
3. Eligibility or Proficiency Letters
The portal also provides options for applicants who require eligibility or proficiency letters for admission abroad or employment-related purposes.
4. Letter of No Objection
Institutions and organisations seeking Ministry clearance for certain programmes or partnerships can apply for a Letter of No Objection through the platform.
How to Verify an Existing ESS Document
If you already have a certificate or letter issued through the Ministry’s Education Sector Support and Services, you can verify its authenticity online.
Visit the ESSVerify portal:
https://essverify.education.gov.ng/
Then:
- Select “Verify a document” or the relevant document verification option.
- Enter the document number displayed on the ESS-issued certificate or letter.
- Submit the request by clicking “Verify.”
- The system will indicate whether the document is genuine.
This verification option is different from applying for authentication or evaluation. It is intended for individuals, employers, schools and organisations that need to confirm the authenticity of an ESS-issued document.
How to Authenticate or Evaluate Your Certificate
Those applying for a new authentication or evaluation should follow these steps:
- Visit the ESSVerify portal and select “Start an application.”
- Create an account with a valid email address.
- Verify your email and complete your profile.
- Log into your account.
- Select the appropriate service: Authentication, Evaluation, Eligibility/English Proficiency Letter or Letter of No Objection.
- Enter the required personal and academic qualification information.
- Select the documents you want processed and provide the number of pages where required.
- Generate your Remita Retrieval Reference (RRR) and make the required payment.
- Upload clear and legible scanned copies of the requested documents.
Applicants who are required to provide an official transcript should contact the registry of the institution that awarded the qualification and request that the transcript be sent directly by the institution to the designated email address.
The online system is intended to make the process more convenient and reduce the need for applicants to travel to the Ministry’s offices for certificate-related services.
