How to Verify and Authenticate Academic Certificates Online Through FG’s ESSVerify Portal
Nigerians who need to verify, authenticate or evaluate academic qualifications can now complete the process online through the Federal Ministry of Education’s ESSVerify portal, reducing the need for physical visits to government offices.
The service can benefit graduates applying for jobs, international study, migration, NYSC or other official purposes.
Which ESSVerify Service Do You Need?
Authentication: For Nigerian qualifications intended for use abroad, including further studies, employment or migration.
Evaluation: For qualifications obtained outside Nigeria that need to be assessed for use in Nigeria, including employment and NYSC.
Eligibility/English Proficiency Letter: For people who need official confirmation for admission abroad or employment.
Letter of No Objection: For eligible institutions or organisations seeking Ministry clearance for educational programmes or partnerships.
Step-by-Step: How to Apply
1. Visit the official portal: Go to ESSVerify Portal and select “Start an application.”
2. Create an account: Register with a valid email address, verify your email and complete your profile.
3. Select your service: Choose Authentication, Evaluation, Eligibility/Proficiency Letter or Letter of No Objection, depending on your need.
4. Enter your details: Provide your personal, qualification and supporting document information accurately.
5. Pay the required fee: Generate your Remita Retrieval Reference (RRR) and make payment through a Remita-enabled channel. Payments are non-refundable.
6. Upload your documents: Upload clear, legible scans and ensure the number of pages matches what you declared.
7. Arrange your transcript: Where required, your awarding institution must send the official transcript directly from its official email address to the Ministry’s designated email. Applicants should not send the transcript themselves.
How to Verify an Existing ESS Document
If you already have a document issued by Education Support Services, visit the portal, select “Verify a document,” enter the document number and click “Verify.” The system will indicate whether the document is genuine.
“The application process is fully online.” — The Federal Ministry of Education.
Why This Matters
The online system can make academic certificate verification faster and more convenient, especially for Nigerians preparing for international education, employment, migration or official documentation.
If you need to authenticate a Nigerian certificate or evaluate a foreign qualification, use the official ESSVerify portal rather than relying on agents or unofficial websites.
