By Aisha Muhammad Magaji
The Nigerian Institute of Management (NIM) has thrown its weight behind the Federal Government’s newly introduced policy mandating the verification of academic and professional credentials across public and private sectors.
The policy, announced earlier this month by the Federal Ministry of Education in collaboration with the Ministry of Labour, seeks to tackle the rising incidence of fake certificates and fraudulent qualifications in Nigeria’s workforce.
In a statement signed by its President, Dr. Christiana Atake, the NIM described the move as timely and necessary to protect the integrity of Nigeria’s professional landscape.
“Credential verification is not just about checking certificates it is about safeguarding standards, ensuring meritocracy, and restoring public confidence in the country’s human capital. NIM strongly supports this initiative,” Dr. Atake said.
She added that the institute, which regulates management practice in Nigeria, has over the years campaigned against the proliferation of unverified qualifications and urged employers to prioritize competence over paper credentials.
Nigeria has faced a series of certificate scandals in recent years, involving both public officials and private sector employees. Fake foreign degrees, forged professional certifications, and unaccredited institutions have eroded trust in the system.
By introducing mandatory verification, government agencies will work with universities, professional bodies, and global verification platforms to confirm the authenticity of certificates before they are accepted for employment or promotion.
According to the Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman, the policy will apply to both local and foreign qualifications.
“We cannot continue to allow fake credentials to undermine our economy and our institutions. From now on, every certificate presented for employment or advancement must go through a rigorous verification process,” Mamman said.
The minister noted that the government is partnering with foreign universities, embassies, and professional associations to ensure global compliance.
The NIM has pledged to work with the government to make the process effective, offering to provide verification services for management-related certifications and training programs.
Dr. Atake emphasized that professional bodies must play a central role. “Credential verification should not be left to government alone. Professional institutes like NIM have the expertise and networks to verify qualifications within their sectors.”
Education and labor analysts have welcomed the initiative, arguing that widespread credential fraud has contributed to poor service delivery in both the public and private sectors.
“Unqualified individuals often end up in positions of responsibility because of forged certificates. Mandatory verification will help clean up the system and reward genuine talent,” said Dr. Olufemi Ajayi, a human resource consultant.
However, some stakeholders caution that the policy could face challenges, including bureaucratic delays, high costs, and potential exploitation by verification agents.
Civil society groups have called for transparency and affordability in the process. “It must not become another money-making scheme. The government should ensure it is fast, affordable, and accessible to all Nigerians,” said the Centre for Accountability in Governance (CAG).
The move aligns with the government’s broader efforts to strengthen governance and accountability. It also comes at a time when Nigeria is seeking to boost global recognition of its workforce and attract investment into sectors that rely heavily on skilled professionals.
By tackling credential fraud, experts argue, Nigeria can rebuild confidence in its education system, improve employment outcomes, and promote a culture of merit.
With the Nigerian Institute of Management backing the policy, momentum is building around the government’s push for mandatory credential verification.
Observers say the success of the initiative will depend on political will, stakeholder collaboration, and a transparent process that balances accountability with efficiency.
