New ESSVerify Portal Allows Users to Authenticate Nigerian Qualifications, Evaluate Foreign Certificates and Verify Ministry-Issued Documents
By Ohimai Esezobor
ABUJA — Nigerians can now apply online to authenticate academic certificates, evaluate foreign qualifications and verify previously issued education documents following the digitisation of key services by the Federal Ministry of Education.
The Federal Ministry of Education said the services are now available through its ESSVerify portal, eliminating the need for applicants to physically visit the ministry for several academic credential-related services.
The digital platform allows Nigerians with locally obtained academic qualifications to apply for authentication, while holders of foreign qualifications can apply for evaluation for use within Nigeria.
The portal also provides a document-verification service for certificates and letters previously issued through the Ministry’s Education Sector Support Services, ESS.
According to information released by the ministry, the Education Sector Support Services were fully digitised in April 2026 with the introduction of the ESSVerify platform.
The development is expected to simplify the process of verifying academic credentials and reduce the difficulties previously associated with physical applications and documentation at the Federal Ministry of Education.
The ministry said applicants must first identify the specific service they require before beginning the application process, as the portal provides different options depending on the purpose of the academic document.
For Nigerians who obtained their qualifications from recognised institutions within the country and intend to use them abroad, the authentication service is designed to confirm the validity of such credentials.
Academic certificate authentication may be required for purposes including further education, employment, migration and other official international documentation processes.
Similarly, Nigerians and other individuals who obtained academic qualifications outside the country can apply for evaluation through the platform if they intend to use their certificates in Nigeria.
The evaluation process is designed to assess foreign academic qualifications for official purposes, including employment, further studies, National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, mobilisation and other requirements where the status of a foreign qualification must be determined.
The ESSVerify portal also provides options for applicants seeking eligibility or proficiency letters.
Such letters may be required by applicants seeking admission into foreign institutions or for employment and other official purposes.
Institutions and organisations seeking the Ministry of Education’s approval for programmes, partnerships or related activities can also apply for letters of no objection through the platform.
How To Verify an Existing ESS Document
The Ministry explained that verifying an already-issued ESS document is different from applying for the authentication or evaluation of an academic certificate.
The verification service is designed for employers, schools, organisations and individuals who want to confirm whether a document issued through the Ministry’s Education Sector Support Services is genuine.
To verify an existing ESS-issued document, users are required to visit the official ESSVerify portal and select the document verification option.
The applicant will then be required to enter the document number displayed on the certificate or letter.
After entering the required details, the user can submit the request by clicking the verification option.
The system is expected to indicate the status and authenticity of the document.
How To Authenticate or Evaluate an Academic Certificate
Applicants seeking to authenticate a Nigerian academic qualification or evaluate a foreign certificate must complete a full application through the ESSVerify platform.
The process begins with a visit to the official ESSVerify portal.
Applicants are required to select the “Start an Application” option and create an account using a valid email address.
After registering, users must verify their email address and complete the required profile information before proceeding with the application.
Applicants can then log into the platform and select the service they require.
The available options include authentication, evaluation, eligibility or English proficiency letters, as well as letters of no objection.
Users will be required to provide their personal information and details of the academic qualifications they want to process.
Applicants must also select the relevant documents and indicate the number of pages where required by the application process.
The next stage involves generating a Remita Retrieval Reference, RRR, and making the required payment.
The ministry noted that payments made for the services are non-refundable.
Applicants are also expected to upload clear and legible scanned copies of all required documents.
Where an official academic transcript is required, applicants must 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 provided for the application.
The Ministry’s move to fully digitise the Education Sector Support Services represents a major shift towards online public service delivery in Nigeria.
The development could particularly benefit Nigerians living outside Abuja and those abroad who previously faced the challenge of travelling or relying on third parties to process academic documents.
However, applicants are advised to carefully select the service they require and ensure that all uploaded documents are clear and complete before submitting their applications.
The Federal Ministry of Education has directed users to access the service through the official ESSVerify portal for academic qualification authentication, foreign certificate evaluation and verification of previously issued ESS documents.
IBN News reports that the digital platform is expected to make academic credential processing more accessible while reducing dependence on physical visits to government offices.
