NERD: Tackling certificate racketeering

In addition to that, opportunities available to graduates in various governmental institutions can only be assessed sequel to onboarding and data validation with the NERD policy. Seen one way, it gets the National Credential Verification Service (NCVS) a step ahead in the verification and authentication of academic certificates of staff and new intakes in all government establishments.

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But at what cost does it come for students? CAMPUS LIFE went seeking students’ perspectives.

Ezugwu Jacintha Chidiebere, a student of Mass Communication at the University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN), explained the disadvantages. She spoke of her ordeal after studying for a diploma in communication at a University in London.

She noted that verification has been one of the biggest challenges she has faced in Nigeria.

“I got a diploma in communication from a university in London online. And now I’m doing my bachelor’s degree at UNN. Getting my credentials verified has been a problem and it’s taking a lot of time,” Jacintha lamented of the system.

Yet, it doesn’t end there. CAMPUS LIFE saw this play out in Jacinth’s situation. “The delay has ruined a lot of opportunities for me. I have to verify my credentials before I can register for NYSC, and even if I should get a job offer, it is going to take time to finish the process,” said Jacintha.

Ordinarily, denied applications or lost opportunities, as expected, should be on the minimal level, but for its impact to be well-scaled fears are fast rising about the proposed prospects.

According to Hassan Muhammad Saganuwan, a final-year Biochemistry student at Abdullahi Fodio University of Science and Technology, Aliero, with regards to academic records being on NVS in plain sight, it’s actually progress.

“As we all know that for things to progress, so many things will be negatively affected, whether or not it’s in the best interest of everyone, but the major aim is the impact it’ll have, which is definitely positive as those who forge or misrepresent their results and qualifications just to secure something, not in respect to them being able to do the job, they’ll definitely be affected,” said Saganuwan.

However, when questioned on what’s expected of universities to balance compliance with NCVS while ensuring students’ data are protected, Saganuwan said: “To  ensure students data are fully protected, the access has to be authorised through a gateway, so as to identify whoever is trying to access the information or details, or it could only be self assessed which means the owner of the results should be the only one to use NVS to access their results while presenting it in real time.”

Beyond privacy concerns, Omolola Omileye of the Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE) recalls what lies ahead for students in schools that are yet to be fully accredited.

Of its effects, the 200-Level Mass Comm student said: “Some students, especially those from smaller or unaccredited schools, might face delays in getting hired because their degrees take longer to verify, if not verified at all. Employers could also use this as a quick way to filter candidates, making it harder for those with non-traditional qualifications to land a job.”

 Omileye is quick to acknowledge the crackdown on credibility crises in the education sector.

She said: “Online degree students might struggle with verification. If the programme isn’t recognised by the NCVS, graduates could face extra hassle proving their qualifications.”

Beyond the statistics, Maryam Umar of Usmanu Danfodiyo University (UDUS), is afraid of the bureaucratic delays involved.

 “For a university like mine that takes multiple months to release results, the implementation can be slow due to administrative hiccups, it means I can’t get a job until my results are duly verified. That’s an additional waste of my time honestly,” she said.

Her concerns again extend to students running online degree programmes. She, however, sounds confident of a proposed solution.

“I personally think students running degrees online at institutions approved by NUC should be accommodated in the scope of this new policy.”

Notwithstanding, what makes it even worthwhile are the long-term benefits. Shuaib Rufai Omale, also a student at UDUS said: “In fact, the policy may improve employment opportunities for genuine graduates because employers will have greater confidence in the authenticity of academic credentials. Over time, this transparency can strengthen meritocracy in the labour market.”

If all loose ends are tied, Omale says of the NCVS policy as a progressive reform, if properly implemented, will enhance transparency, protect the value of Nigerian degrees, and promote fairness in both academic and professional spaces.