The Federal Government has announced that participation in its National Education Repository and Data Bank (NERD) will soon become compulsory for graduates seeking to take part in the National Youth Service Corps programme.
The disclosure was contained in a press statement issued on Friday by the Federal Ministry of Education and signed by its Director of Press and Public Relations, Boriowo Folasade.
The Ministry said the policy forms part of steps aimed at tightening the credibility of academic records in Nigeria and tackling cases of fake certificates discovered in recent years.
Announcing the development, the Ministry stated: “The Ministry further announced that participation in the NERD system will become a prerequisite for participation in or exemption from the National Youth Service Corps scheme.”
The statement added that the measure is designed to ensure that the academic records of graduates are properly documented and verified through the national digital platform before they proceed to national service.
Officials explained that the initiative is part of ongoing efforts by the Federal Government to strengthen the credibility of academic qualifications and promote a transparent education record system.
The government also restated its commitment to building a transparent, digitally verifiable, and globally respected education system.
