By Mercy Gadia Adi
The Minister of Education doctor Tunji Alausa has revealed the introduction of Nigeria Education Repository and Databank (NERD) programme, a $68.8 million technology-driven initiative aiming to boost academic integrity, eliminate substandard academic reports, fake certificates, and unearned honors.
According to Dr. Tunji Alausa, the Nigeria Education Repository and Databank (NERD) programme has been designed to boost academic integrity, security, and national planning. This will be achieved through the use of digitization and verification mechanisms, as stated by Alausa following the Federal Executive Council’s (FEC) approval of the programme.
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The NERD programme, which is fully financed by the private sector, is designed to enhance academic integrity, security, and national planning through digitization and verification mechanisms.
According to Alausa, NERD will be applicable across all higher education institutions, regardless of ownership, including professional schools like nursing and agriculture colleges.
One of the key features of NERD is the requirement for each student’s final academic report to be deposited into a central national database after undergoing a mandatory anti-plagiarism check. A National Credential Number (NCN) and a frame QR code will be affixed to all certificates, diplomas, and transcripts, making them instantly verifiable.
This move is expected to eradicate fake degrees and phony academic qualifications, as the NCVS will serve as a systemic quality assurance check. Furthermore, all admitted students post-JAMB will be required to register in the National Students’ Clearing House under the NERD system, creating a yearly national academic digital footprint.
The system will also enhance national planning by accurately tracking student progress. In addition, the Federal Government has approved the creation of NERD-indexed journals to reduce reliance on foreign publication platforms such as SCOPUS and SCImago.
These journals will provide a credible national alternative for Nigerian scholars and institutions, lowering publication costs and preventing capital flight. They will be recognized for career advancement, promotions, and academic research.
To ensure smooth execution, the Federal Executive Council (FEC) has constituted a Governing Council for the NERD programme, chaired by the Minister of Education. Other members include the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Education, Executive Secretaries of NUC, NBTE, and NCCE, among others.
Acknowledging potential challenges in transitioning to the new system, Alausa assured that comprehensive training and support would be provided to educators and institutions.
“With any new system comes a learning curve, but we are committed to making this transition smooth and effective.
The NERD project will be transformative, promoting a quality education ecosystem in Nigeria,” he said.
The Minister urged the public to embrace the transformation, stating that NERD officially takes effect nationwide from February 4, 2025, as approved by FEC.
Pursuant to Article 6.1.22 of the National Policy on NERD, the NUC, NBTE, and NCCE will formally communicate FEC’s directives to all governing councils and tertiary institution managements.