The Federal Government is considering introducing assessment tests for Nigerians with foreign university degrees, particularly in African countries, ahead of their mobilisation for the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC). 

The move is aimed at preventing certificate fraud and protecting academic standards. 

The proposal was presented on Monday at the 37th Meeting of the National Standing Committee (NSC) on Evaluation of Foreign Qualifications in Abuja by the Director overseeing the Office of the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Education, Folake Olatunji-David.

In a statement signed by the Director of Press and Public Relations, Folasade Boriowo, Ms Olatunji-David said international education must not come at the expense of acceptable academic standards.

It stated, “The ministry had automated and digitalised the evaluation of foreign qualifications and authentication of Nigerian certificates since the beginning of the year, improving transparency, efficiency and service delivery.

“The Committee will also consider monitoring Nigerians studying in African institutions, recognising foreign regulatory bodies as reliable verification sources, and establishing equivalence guidelines for foreign secondary-school qualifications.” 

According to the statement, the committee will also review compliance with national education policies by foreign-curriculum schools operating in Nigeria and guidelines for issuing letters of no objection to proposed institutions.

The ministry reiterated its commitment to strengthening verification and regulatory measures to ensure that only genuine qualifications from recognised and accredited institutions receive official recognition.