Nigerians can now authenticate academic certificates online without visiting education ministry. Here is how
Nigerians can now authenticate local academic qualifications, evaluate foreign certificates and verify documents issued by the Federal Ministry of Education online through the ESSVerify portal.
The digital platform allows applicants, employers, schools and organisations to access Education Support Services without visiting Ministry offices physically.
The Ministry said its Education Support Services became fully digitised in April 2026, covering certificate authentication, foreign qualification evaluation and related services. Education Minister Dr Tunji Alausa reconfirmed the completion of the process on Wednesday.
The move is expected to reduce delays, limit paperwork and make academic-document processing more accessible to Nigerians at home and abroad.
What Nigerians Can Do on the ESSVerify Portal
Applicants must first identify the service they need because the portal provides separate options for different academic and institutional requirements.
Authentication of Nigerian Qualifications
Nigerians who intend to use a local certificate abroad can apply for authentication. The service verifies Nigerian qualifications for:
– Further studies
– Employment
– Migration
– Professional registration
– Other official purposes
Evaluation of Foreign Qualifications
People who obtained academic qualifications outside Nigeria can apply for evaluation before using them in the country.
The Ministry may assess foreign credentials for:
– Employment
– NYSC
– Further education
– Government-related applications
– Other official purposes
Eligibility and English Proficiency Letters
The portal also allows users to apply for eligibility or English proficiency letters. These documents may be required for overseas admission, employment or other formal processes.
Letters of No Objection
Institutions and organisations seeking Ministry clearance for academic programmes, collaborations or partnerships can apply for a letter of no objection online.
How to Verify an Existing ESS Document
Document verification is different from applying to authenticate or evaluate a certificate. It is intended for checking whether a document already issued by the Ministry is genuine.
To verify an ESS-issued document:
– Visit https://essverify.education.gov.ng/.
– Select “Verify a document” or the relevant verification option.
– Enter the document number printed on the certificate or letter.
– Click “Verify”.
– Review the system’s response confirming whether the document is genuine.
Employers, schools, embassies, organisations and individuals can use this feature to check documents submitted for official purposes.
How to Authenticate or Evaluate an Academic Certificate
Applicants seeking authentication of a Nigerian certificate or evaluation of a foreign qualification must submit a complete online application.
Application Process
– Visit the ESSVerify portal and select “Start an application.”
– Create an account with a valid email address.
– Verify the email address and complete the applicant profile.
– Log in and select the required service:
– Authentication
– Evaluation
– Eligibility or English Proficiency Letter
– Letter of No Objection
– Enter the required personal and academic details.
– Select the documents to be processed and provide the number of pages where requested.
– Generate a Remita Retrieval Reference (RRR).
– Make the required payment.
– Upload clear and readable copies of the requested documents.
Payments made through the portal are non-refundable, so applicants should confirm the service and details before completing payment.
Transcript Submission Requirements
Where an official transcript is required, applicants should contact the registry of the institution that awarded the qualification.
The institution must send the transcript directly to the designated email address provided for the application. Applicants should avoid submitting unofficial transcripts unless the portal specifically permits them.
Clear scans, accurate personal information and matching names across documents can help prevent processing delays.
What the Online System Changes for Applicants
The fully digital process means applicants no longer need to travel to the Ministry solely to submit or verify documents. It also creates a central process for services that were previously handled through physical visits and manual correspondence.
However, applicants should use only the official ESSVerify website, keep payment records and monitor their email for updates or requests for additional documents.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I authenticate a Nigerian certificate online?
Visit the ESSVerify portal, create an account, select Authentication, complete the application, pay through Remita and upload the required documents.
How do I evaluate a foreign certificate in Nigeria?
Create an account on ESSVerify, select Evaluation, provide your qualification details, pay the applicable fee and upload the requested documents.
Can I verify an Education Support Services document online?
Yes. Select “Verify a document” on the portal and enter the document number printed on the ESS-issued document.
Is ESSVerify the official Federal Ministry of Education portal?
The official portal provided for these services is https://essverify.education.gov.ng/. Applicants should be cautious of unofficial websites and agents.
Are ESSVerify payments refundable?
No. Payments made for applications are stated to be non-refundable. Applicants should confirm their information and selected service before payment.
How should I submit an official transcript?
Contact the registry of the awarding institution and request that the transcript be sent directly to the designated ESS email address.
Can I apply for a letter of no objection online?
Yes. Institutions and organisations can select the Letter of No Objection option and follow the application instructions on the portal.