According to a report by Vanguard Newspapers on Tuesday, November 10, 2026, the Federal Government is considering introducing a new examination for Nigerians who obtained university degrees abroad, particularly those who studied in other African countries.
Under the proposed arrangement, Nigerians with foreign university qualifications may be required to pass an assessment before being allowed to participate in the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) programme.
The proposed examination is aimed at strengthening the verification of foreign academic qualifications and preventing individuals with fake certificates or questionable degrees from gaining official recognition in Nigeria.
The development was disclosed by Dr Folake Olatunji-David, Acting Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Education, during the 37th meeting of the National Standing Committee on Evaluation of Foreign Qualifications held in Abuja.
Speaking at the meeting, the government official explained that the increasing number of Nigerians travelling abroad for higher education, particularly to other African countries, had made it necessary to strengthen the country’s foreign qualification evaluation system.
She noted that the government wants to ensure that Nigerians who obtain degrees outside the country genuinely attended the institutions that awarded their certificates and received the appropriate academic training.
The proposed assessment is also expected to help authorities identify questionable qualifications and ensure that foreign universities attended by Nigerian students meet acceptable academic and accreditation standards.
The Federal Government believes that strengthening the evaluation process will protect the credibility of the Nigerian education system and prevent individuals from benefiting from certificates that do not meet the required standards.
Meanwhile, the Federal Ministry of Education disclosed that it had automated and digitalised the evaluation of foreign qualifications and authentication of Nigerian certificates since the beginning of 2026. The initiative is expected to improve transparency and make certificate verification more efficient.
The proposed examination is part of broader efforts to monitor foreign qualifications and strengthen the country’s academic verification procedures.
However, the assessment has not yet been confirmed as an implemented requirement. Further details regarding its format, commencement date and the categories of foreign graduates who may be affected are still expected.
If introduced, the policy could affect Nigerians who obtained university degrees abroad and intend to participate in the NYSC programme, making foreign certificate verification an increasingly important part of the mobilisation process.
COURTESY: Michaelnews0
