The Federal Government has made it possible for Nigerians to process academic certificate verification and related services online without having to visit the Federal Ministry of Education in person.
The services are available through the Ministry’s Education Sector Support and Services (ESSVerify) portal, which handles applications for Nigerian certificate authentication, foreign qualification evaluation and other official education documents.
The platform also provides a way to check the authenticity of documents previously issued by the Ministry.
The Federal Ministry of Education completed the end-to-end digitisation of Education Support Services in April 2026. Education Minister Dr Tunji Alausa reiterated on Wednesday that the process had been fully digitised.
What Can You Do on ESSVerify?
The portal provides several services for individuals and organisations.
Nigerian certificate authentication: This is for people who need official authentication of Nigerian academic qualifications, including for employment, further studies or migration.
Foreign qualification evaluation: Applicants who studied outside Nigeria can request an assessment of their foreign academic credentials for purposes such as employment, NYSC and other official requirements.
Eligibility or proficiency letters: Applicants who need confirmation of their eligibility or proficiency for admission abroad or employment can apply through the portal.
Letter of No Objection: Organisations and institutions requiring Ministry clearance for programmes or partnerships can also use the online system.
Steps to Verify an ESS Document
To check an existing document issued through the Ministry’s Education Sector Support and Services:
Step 1: Go to the ESSVerify portal.
Step 2: Choose the “Verify a document” option.
Step 3: Enter the document number shown on the certificate or letter issued by ESS.
Step 4: Click “Verify” to submit the request.
The system will then display the result of the verification.
It is important to note that checking an already-issued ESS document is not the same as applying for certificate authentication or foreign qualification evaluation.
Steps to Apply for Certificate Authentication or Evaluation
Applicants seeking a new service should:
- Visit the ESSVerify portal.
- Click “Start an application.”
- Register with a valid email address.
- Verify the email and complete the required profile information.
- Log into the account.
- Choose the appropriate service.
- Enter the requested personal and academic details.
- Select the documents to be processed.
- Provide the required number of pages.
- Generate an RRR through Remita.
- Make the required payment, noting that payments are non-refundable.
- Upload clear copies of the required documents.
For applications requiring an official transcript, the applicant should contact the registry of the institution where the qualification was obtained and request that the transcript be sent directly from the institution to the designated email address.
The digital system is expected to simplify certificate-related procedures for Nigerians at home and abroad by allowing applications and verification to be handled remotely.
ESSVerify Portal: https://essverify.education.gov.ng/
