Education
Certificate Forgery: NYSC Rolls Out Mandatory NERD Compliance for All Prospective Corps Members
Certificate Forgery: NYSC Rolls Out Mandatory NERD Compliance for All Prospective Corps Members
The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has intensified efforts to tackle certificate forgery and ensure that only qualified graduates are mobilised for national service, with the enforcement of the Federal Government’s directive requiring all Prospective Corps Members (PCMs) to present a compliance certificate from the Nigeria Education Repository and Databank (NERD) . The Director of Information and Public Relations of the NYSC, Caroline Embu, confirmed in an official statement that the directive is aimed at curbing certificate fraud and sanitising the mobilisation process, adding that prospective corps members without a compliance certificate from NERD will not be mobilised for national service .
The Director-General of the NYSC, Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu, disclosed this during his keynote address at the 2026 Batch ‘B’ Pre-Mobilisation Workshop held in Abuja . The workshop, themed “Strengthening Institutional Accountability and Compliance in the NYSC Mobilization Process for Effective Service Delivery,” brought together key stakeholders in the education and mobilisation sectors, including representatives of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), National Universities Commission (NUC), National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), Federal Ministry of Education (FME), the Nigeria Education Repository and Databank, SIDMACH Technologies, as well as 266 Student Affairs Officers from various corps producing institutions nationwide .
According to the NYSC boss, the enforcement of the NERD compliance certificate will take effect starting from the 2026 Batch B orientation camp and is aimed at sanitising the mobilisation process and preventing fake graduates from participating in the national service scheme . He appealed to Corps Producing Institutions (CPIs) across the country to adequately sensitise their students and ensure full compliance with the directive. Nafiu stressed that the responsibility of ensuring credible mobilisation should not rest solely on the NYSC, urging regulatory agencies, security institutions, and relevant government ministries to strengthen collaboration through policy support, capacity building, and strict enforcement mechanisms .
“When we work in synergy, we ease the path for our prospective corps members, ensuring that their transition from student to national service is smooth, transparent, and credible,” Nafiu said. “Let us be bold in confronting the obstacles before us and creative in fashioning solutions that will stand the test of time. Let us build a more accountable, transparent, and efficient mobilisation process for the benefit of all”.
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The NERD platform is a comprehensive national digital infrastructure designed to secure, digitise and authenticate academic records across tertiary institutions in Nigeria, serving as a strategic national infrastructure aimed at protecting the integrity of Nigerian academic qualifications while positioning the education sector for the digital age . According to the Minister of Education, Dr Maruf Tunji Alausa, CON, graduates whose academic records are not captured in the NERD platform will not be eligible for the NYSC . Speaking during a national capacity-building programme for school representatives organised to support the implementation of NERD, Alausa said linking access to verified academic records will serve as a strong deterrent against certificate forgery and other forms of academic fraud .
The Minister revealed that within just four months of enforcement, the system had already preserved nearly 100,000 digital student submissions and onboarded more than 250 universities, polytechnics, monotechnics and colleges of education for real-time credential verification . He added that over 133,000 students and 6,800 lecturers are currently registered on the platform, supported by more than 655 institutional focal persons nationwide . Through collaboration with Nigerian technology entrepreneurs, the programme has also facilitated the establishment of more than 1,000 digital service centres across the country, generating over 3,000 jobs .
Key components of the NERD system include the National Credential Number, National Credential Revocation Service, National Student Clearing House, Federated Repository of Academic Theses and Abstracts, and the National Academic Publication and Indexing Database . The Chief Executive Officer of NERD, Tunji Ariyomo, emphasised the importance of preserving academic knowledge and research outputs, noting that nations that lead globally are those that effectively document and build upon their knowledge systems . He explained that the platform documents academic projects, theses, and dissertations along with supervisors, co-supervisors, and departmental heads, strengthening accountability and improving the quality of academic supervision .
Alausa further announced the establishment of the NERD Annual National Laureate Prize and Awards Programme, aimed at promoting academic excellence by recognising outstanding undergraduate, master’s and doctoral research works with prizes ranging from ₦5 million to ₦20 million, with the maiden edition scheduled for November this year . Beyond NYSC participation, Alausa said compliance with NERD would become mandatory for institutions seeking access to services from agencies such as TETFund, the National Universities Commission, the National Board for Technical Education, the National Commission for Colleges of Education and the Industrial Training Fund, making institutional participation a requirement for accessing services from these agencies . The minister added that the government had already acted against fraudulent qualifications obtained abroad, particularly from unaccredited institutions in neighbouring countries, noting that individuals found with such certificates had been removed from public service.
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Meanwhile, the Federal Ministry of Education has revealed that 119 out of the 124 Federal Government-owned tertiary institutions have been integrated into the Federal Tertiary Institutions Governance Transparency Portal (FTIGTP) . The data, obtained through the Nigerian Education Data Infrastructure (NEDI) , showed that 32 million students across 221,229 schools in 21 states have so far been captured on the platform . A breakdown indicated that 57 out of 60 federal universities, 35 out of 36 polytechnics, and 27 out of 28 colleges of education have successfully uploaded and submitted their data to the transparency portal .
The FTIGTP, established to promote accountability and evidence-based decision-making in tertiary education governance, provides access to institutional data, including student enrolment, budgets, research grants, and intervention funding records . The portal, launched in 2025, was introduced as a unified platform for tracking and analysing key performance and funding metrics across federal tertiary institutions using data from the past three years, designed to promote transparency and provide interactive reports and visualisations to support evidence-based decision-making in the tertiary education system . The Federal Government had, in 2025, mandated all federal tertiary institutions to publish key institutional data on their websites as part of broader reforms in the education sector .
As part of reforms aimed at improving accountability and efficiency, the government in May 2025 fixed a minimum student enrolment benchmark of 2,000 for tertiary institutions . However, findings revealed that the benchmark was later reduced by 50 per cent following pressure from heads of institutions. Speaking at the 2025 Policy Meeting in Abuja, the Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suwaiba Ahmad, said tertiary institutions with student populations below 1,000 would no longer benefit from intervention funding from the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) . Executive Secretary of TETFund, Arc. Sonny Echono, confirmed that the policy was already being implemented using a “carrot-and-stick” approach to encourage compliance among institutions, explaining that allocations are now competitive, with interventions given to institutions that can demonstrate their ability to use funds effectively .
The NYSC has also announced a partnership with the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) to simplify biometric verification for prospective corps members nationwide. The partnership aims to enable seamless registration through technology-driven reforms designed to improve service delivery and reduce bottlenecks in the mobilisation process . Nafiu explained that the partnership is part of efforts to deepen digital reforms within the scheme, noting that registration, mobilisation, payments, and record-keeping processes have largely been digitized to enhance operational efficiency across Nigeria, with the goal of allowing corps members to register from home using NIMC biometrics .
Earlier in her remarks, the NYSC Director of Corps Mobilisation, Rachel Ideawor, described the pre-mobilisation workshop as an important platform for strengthening collaboration among the NYSC, Corps Producing Institutions, and other stakeholders . She noted that despite improvements in the mobilisation process, there was still a need to optimise service delivery across the mobilisation value chain. “I urge our Student Affairs Officers to approach their responsibilities with diligence and integrity, ensuring that the information provided accurately reflects the true profiles of Prospective Corps Members,” she said . The NYSC has emphasised that effective mobilisation requires collective responsibility from all stakeholders and is not solely the responsibility of the scheme, but depends on cooperation from all relevant agencies .
With the new enforcement taking effect from the 2026 Batch B orientation camp, all Prospective Corps Members are advised to ensure their academic records are properly uploaded and verified on the NERD platform before applying for mobilisation . Officials have clarified that the rule applies to all higher institutions, including universities, polytechnics and colleges of education, while graduates already serving in the NYSC before the policy’s enforcement are not affected. The government maintains that the move is part of broader reforms aimed at improving the credibility and transparency of Nigeria’s education system as part of the Nigerian Education Sector Renewed Initiative (NESRI) , a six-point agenda designed to transition the country from a resource-based to a knowledge-based economy .
Certificate Forgery: NYSC Rolls Out Mandatory NERD Compliance for All Prospective Corps Members
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Education
Law School Sanctions Best Ethics Student Over Attire in Circulated Photo
Law School Sanctions Best Ethics Student Over Attire in Circulated Photo
The Council of Legal Education (CLE), governing body of the Nigerian Law School, has withdrawn the prize awarded to the institution’s best graduating student in professional ethics following the circulation of a photograph online that the council deemed inconsistent with professional standards and decorum.
The council announced its decision after reviewing the circumstances surrounding the award and the photograph involving the recipient. In a statement dated August 19, 2026, signed by Aderonke Osho, Secretary to the Council and Director of Administration, the CLE said the attire worn by the recipient in the photograph was considered inconsistent with the standards expected of legal professionals. The statement reads in part: “The council considered the circumstances surrounding the award of the prize for the best graduating student in professional ethics and approved the withdrawal of the prize from the recipient, arising from the circulation of a photograph online depicting the recipient in attire considered inconsistent with the professional standards and decorum.”
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Although the council did not officially disclose the name of the affected graduate or the specific graduating set, reports have identified the 2026 best graduating student in professional ethics as Ogechi Ifezie. Ifezie was among the students honoured during the 2026 Call to Bar ceremonies held from July 7 to 10 at the Body of Benchers Complex in Abuja. Records from the 2026 Nigerian Law School awards show that Ifezie, who studied at the Nigerian Law School‘s Lagos Campus after graduating from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, was listed as the first-prize winner for Professional Ethics. The Ike Obiora Foundation, which supported her as a scholarship beneficiary, had previously described her as a first-class graduate and noted her achievement as the overall best student in Professional Ethics.
The 2026 Call to Bar ceremonies also recognised several other outstanding graduates across various law subjects. Israel Adeniyi emerged as the Overall Best Graduating Student, while other course leaders included Ifeoluwa Ajaiyeoba for Civil Litigation, Timilehin Adebayo for Criminal Litigation, Emmanuel Oyelami for Corporate Law, and Francis Obiahu Alu for Property Law.
Beyond the withdrawal of the prize, the CLE also approved sanctions against two other students found culpable of indiscipline-related misconduct, though the details of these sanctions were not disclosed. The council reiterated its commitment to maintaining discipline, professionalism, and appropriate conduct among students of the Nigerian Law School. The council did not provide further details about the photograph, including where or when it was taken, beyond its reference to the image being circulated online. It also did not state whether the decision affects the recipient’s status as a newly qualified lawyer or any other awards received during the Call to Bar ceremonies. The council’s action underscores its role in upholding professional standards and signals that academic excellence is expected to be matched by conduct considered appropriate for members of the legal profession.
Law School Sanctions Best Ethics Student Over Attire in Circulated Photo
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Education
FG releases 2026/2027 Unity Schools admission list for JSS1 candidates
FG releases 2026/2027 Unity Schools admission list for JSS1 candidates
The Federal Government has released the 2026/2027 admission list for Federal Unity Colleges, with successful candidates offered admission into Junior Secondary School One (JSS1) across the country.
The admission list, approved by the Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, marks the commencement of the admission process for candidates seeking placement in the nation’s Federal Unity Colleges, popularly known as Unity Schools.
The Federal Ministry of Education announced the release in a statement issued by its Director of Press and Public Relations, Folasade Boriowo.
The ministry said the development was part of the Federal Government’s commitment to ensuring a transparent, accessible and orderly admission process for prospective students.
Parents and guardians can now check the 2026/2027 Unity Schools admission status of their children and wards through the designated Federal Ministry of Education admission platform or the notice board of the relevant Federal Unity College.
Successful candidates are required to print their admission slips and proceed to the Federal Unity College indicated on the slip for confirmation and completion of the necessary admission formalities.
The ministry specifically directed parents and guardians to check admission status and print admission slips through the FME Posting Portal.
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Candidates and their parents or guardians should log into the portal with the required details, check the placement information and print the admission slip where admission has been offered.
Those who encounter difficulties accessing their admission information online may also check the notice board of the relevant Federal Unity College, according to the ministry.
The ministry urged parents and guardians to check the admission status promptly and ensure that successful candidates report to their assigned colleges as required.
The 2026/2027 Unity Schools admission exercise follows the 2026 National Common Entrance Examination (NCEE), which serves as the basis for admission into JSS1 in Federal Unity Colleges.
A total of 60,357 candidates registered for the 2026 NCEE, while 56,950 candidates sat for the examination. The remaining registered candidates were recorded as absent.
The number of candidates competing for admission highlights the demand for places in the Federal Unity Colleges, which provide secondary education to students from different parts of Nigeria.
The Unity Schools system includes federal government colleges, federal government girls’ colleges, federal science colleges and federal science and technical colleges located in various parts of the country.
Beyond providing access to secondary education, the Federal Unity Colleges are designed to promote national integration by bringing students from different states, regions and backgrounds together in a shared learning environment.
The Federal Government has continued efforts to improve the administration of the Unity Schools admission process, including the use of digital platforms to make placement and admission procedures more accessible to candidates and their families.
Minister of Education Tunji Alausa congratulated all successful candidates and their families on the admission offers.
He urged the newly admitted students to approach their secondary education with discipline, diligence and a strong commitment to academic excellence.
Parents and guardians were also encouraged to provide the necessary support as their children and wards prepare to begin studies at their respective Federal Unity Colleges.
Candidates offered admission should carefully check the college stated on their admission slips and comply with the reporting, documentation and other requirements communicated by the institution.
The release of the 2026/2027 Federal Unity Colleges admission list now allows successful JSS1 candidates to proceed with admission confirmation and other formalities ahead of the new academic session.
How to check the 2026/2027 Unity Schools admission status
Parents, guardians and candidates can check the Unity Schools admission list through the FME Posting Portal.
They should log into the platform using the required candidate details, check the admission status and placement, and print the admission slip if admission has been offered.
Successful candidates should then proceed to the Federal Unity College stated on their admission slips to complete the required admission formalities.
Parents and guardians are advised to rely on the information contained in the official admission slip and follow the instructions provided by the assigned college.
FG releases 2026/2027 Unity Schools admission list for JSS1 candidates
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Education
JAMB Moves O’Level Upload Online, Ends CBT Centre Visits for 2026 UTME Candidates
JAMB Moves O’Level Upload Online, Ends CBT Centre Visits for 2026 UTME Candidates
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board has introduced a home-based system allowing candidates to verify and upload their O’Level results directly from their homes, eliminating the need for physical visits to CBT centres.
NIGERIA – The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has introduced an online system allowing candidates seeking admission into Nigerian tertiary institutions through the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) to verify and upload their O’Level results from home. The new service, initially covering results issued by the West African Examinations Council (WAEC), is expected to reduce candidates’ dependence on Computer-Based Test (CBT) centres for O’Level result uploads, particularly during periods of high patronage. In a statement issued on Monday, August 24, 2026, JAMB’s Acting Director of Public Affairs and Protocol, Dr Fabian Benjamin, said the initiative was designed to make the Board’s services “easier, faster, safer and more convenient” for candidates. He explained that under the arrangement, JAMB’s e-Facility platform will integrate directly with examination bodies, allowing candidates’ results to be checked against official records held by the issuing bodies before being downloaded into their JAMB profiles.
According to JAMB, the system will address several challenges associated with the traditional manual upload process, including misplaced or mixed-up paper certificates, submission of unverified or fraudulent results, and errors in the manual entry of subjects and grades. The electronic process will reduce mistakes that can occur when candidates manually enter their subjects and grades, which could create complications during admission processing. The Board said the innovation forms part of its renewed customer-focused service delivery agenda under its sixth Registrar, Prof. Segun Aina, with technology being deployed to reduce unnecessary physical visits, queues and paperwork. Prof. Aina, who recently unveiled a five-year reform agenda titled “JAMB 2031: Building Trust, Reducing Trauma,” has pledged to make the Board more transparent, technology-driven, and candidate-friendly.
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JAMB explained that the process involves two stages. The first stage requires candidates to visit the designated result verification portal at buyresultsverificationcode.ng and provide their National Identification Number (NIN), select the number of O’Level sittings (one or two), select the relevant examination body or bodies, provide their email address and GSM number, make payment through the available payment gateway using a debit card or bank transfer, and enter their examination number, examination series, and examination year. Upon successful verification, JAMB will issue a Verification Code. The second stage involves candidates sending “VERIFY” followed by their Verification Code to 55019 or 66019. The verified result will then be uploaded, and candidates will receive a notification confirming the submission.
For candidates with two O’Level sittings, they must log into their JAMB e-Facility dashboard and select “2026 UTME O’Level Upload”. After entering the Verification Code, the two verified results will be displayed, enabling candidates to select the required subjects. Candidates must select a minimum of five and a maximum of nine subjects, with no subject selected more than once, before clicking “Apply the O’Level Results”. A notification will be sent to candidates upon successful completion of the upload.
The new system is expected to provide relief for candidates who have previously had to visit CBT centres to complete O’Level result uploads, particularly during periods when the centres experience heavy patronage. JAMB said the online service would provide a useful alternative when candidates are confronted with long queues, network-related difficulties, and other challenges associated with physical visits to CBT centres. The Board said it would continue to strengthen collaboration with examination bodies and other government agencies while deploying technology to simplify its processes and improve the overall candidate experience. The latest innovation marks another step in JAMB’s digital transformation, moving a process that previously required physical intervention towards a technology-driven system that allows candidates to complete critical admission-related processes remotely.
JAMB Moves O’Level Upload Online, Ends CBT Centre Visits for 2026 UTME Candidates
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