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FG makes NERD-based credential verification mandatory for MDAs, NYSC mobilisation
FG makes NERD-based credential verification mandatory for MDAs, NYSC mobilisation
The Federal Government has mandated all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to adopt the National Credential Verification Service (NCVS) for the authentication of academic certificates of employees and new recruits.
The directive was contained in a circular dated August 8, issued by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume. According to the circular, the Federal Executive Council (FEC) had approved the policy earlier on February 4, with implementation set to begin on October 6.
The circular said that through the NCVS, an establishment of the Nigeria Education Repository and Databank (NERD), all verified credentials will be assigned a national credential number (NCN).
The circular asked the MDAs to submit annual NERD compliance reports by 30 March each year to ensure compliance.
“NERD will issue guidance and regulations in consultation with the National Universities Commission (NUC), the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) and the National Council for Colleges of Education (NCCE),” it added.
The circular noted that mobilisation criteria for prospective National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) will now require proof of NERD policy compliance, regardless of where they were educated.
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It said the directive is to ensure compliance with the NERD policy.
The circular directed the MDAs to appoint suitable officials as NERD Focal Officer (NFO), NERD Institution Record Officer (NIRO), to oversee the onboarding of institution-approved records, master marksheets, and graduate lists, while the NERD Digitisation Officer (NDO) coordinates the digitisation of projects, theses, and dissertations, for the preservation and retrieval of research and publications spanning over 90 years across all institutions.
It also asked the MDAs to transmit the names and contacts of focal persons to the Secretary, Governing Council, Nigeria Education Repository and Databank Programme for documentation, onboarding, and training.
“Treat the NERD-indexed journals as a national flagship, granting them privileges equivalent to other peer-reviewed indexes like SCOPUS for ranking and career progression, allocate budget solely for the activities of NERD focal officers, support staff, and related logistics,” the circular stated.
The circular stated that compliance with the NERD Policy will be enforced as a prerequisite for privileges and services from various agencies, with inter-organisational data exchange support from entities such as the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) and others via Application Programming Interface (API) to facilitate onboarding and data validation.
FG makes NERD-based credential verification mandatory for MDAs, NYSC mobilisation
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Delta State Police Arrest Suspects in Killing of Retired Justice Ifeoma Okogwu
Delta State Police Arrest Suspects in Killing of Retired Justice Ifeoma Okogwu
The Delta State Police Command has made a significant breakthrough in the investigation into the murder of retired Justice Ifeoma Okogwu in Anambra State, arresting key suspects linked to the case.
Spokesperson SP Bright Edafe disclosed on Sunday that operatives of the Homicide Section of the State Criminal Investigation Department (CID), acting on credible intelligence, apprehended 25-year-old security guard Godwin Mngumi on 6 December 2025. Mngumi allegedly murdered the retired judge, and authorities also recovered the deceased’s mobile phone from him.
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According to Edafe, Mngumi confessed to inviting a friend, Nnaji Obalum, and another accomplice — who remains at large — to the residence where the crime was committed. Obalum has since been arrested, while a manhunt continues for the third suspect.
The arrests mark a major step forward in the effort to bring all perpetrators of the high-profile murder to justice.
Delta State Police Arrest Suspects in Killing of Retired Justice Ifeoma Okogwu
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Delta State Police Recover Arms, Arraign 18 Suspects in Crackdown on Cultism, Violent Crimes
Delta State Police Recover Arms, Arraign 18 Suspects in Crackdown on Cultism, Violent Crimes
The Delta State Police Command, led by Commissioner of Police CP Olufemi Abaniwonda, has made significant strides in its ongoing campaign against cultism and violent crimes. Recent operations, including an intelligence-led arms recovery in Abraka and the arraignment of 18 suspects, highlight the command’s intensified enforcement efforts across the state.
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Spokesperson SP Bright Edafe said on Saturday that the CP-Special Assignment Team (CP-SAT), under ASP Julius Robinson, executed a successful operation on December 6, 2025, targeting cult-related activities and the proliferation of illegal firearms. Acting on credible intelligence, officers conducted a coordinated search at No. 2 Umeghe Community, Abraka, the residence of Isiakpere Friday, 67.
The move underscores the Delta State Police’s commitment to restoring safety and security in communities affected by criminal and cult-related activities.
Delta State Police Recover Arms, Arraign 18 Suspects in Crackdown on Cultism, Violent Crimes
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Nigerian Army Suspends Retirements for Officers Amid Nationwide Security Emergency
Nigerian Army Suspends Retirements for Officers Amid Nationwide Security Emergency
The Nigerian Army has temporarily frozen both statutory and voluntary retirements for certain officers, including Generals, following the nationwide security emergency declared by President Bola Tinubu. The decision aims to bolster manpower as the country faces a surge in kidnappings and worsening insecurity.
The move comes after more than 600 abduction cases were reported in November 2025, including the kidnapping of over 300 students in Niger State, 38 worshippers in Kwara State, and 25 students in Kebbi State.
An internal circular dated December 3 and signed by Maj. Gen. E. I. Okoro on behalf of the Chief of Army Staff cited provisions in the Harmonised Terms and Conditions of Service Officers (HTACOS) 2024, allowing service extensions “in the interest of the service.” The memo explains that officers usually retire upon reaching age limits, completing 35 years of service, or failing promotion/conversion boards, but these rules can be overridden during national emergencies.
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The suspension affects officers who have:
- Failed promotion examinations three times
- Been passed over repeatedly at promotion boards
- Reached rank age limits
- Failed conversion boards thrice
- Completed 35 years of service
Officers granted extensions will remain in service but will not be eligible for further promotions, courses, secondments, or extra-regimental appointments. Those unwilling to continue can still proceed with standard exit procedures.
Commanders have been instructed to communicate the directive and manage morale across units, with the policy to be reviewed once national security conditions improve.
Nigerian Army Suspends Retirements for Officers Amid Nationwide Security Emergency
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