FG considers tests for foreign degree holders before NYSC

The Nigerian government is contemplating implementing assessment tests for individuals holding foreign degrees prior to their inclusion in the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) program, in a bid to combat the circulation of counterfeit certificates and ensure that qualifications acquired overseas align with the country's recognized academic standards.

This proposal was unveiled by Dr. Folake Olatunji-David, the director responsible for the Office of the Permanent Secretary in the Federal Ministry of Education, during the 37th session of the National Standing Committee on Evaluation of Foreign Qualifications held in Abuja.

Olatunji-David emphasized the importance of verifying that Nigerians claiming foreign qualifications had indeed attended the institutions that issued their certificates. She stressed that "international education must not compromise acceptable academic standards," underscoring the necessity for rigorous verification of foreign degrees, especially those obtained from African nations.

The committee is also deliberating on establishing a system to track Nigerian students studying in African institutions and acknowledge foreign regulatory bodies as credible sources for confirming academic qualifications.

Additionally, the ministry has announced that it has automated the evaluation of foreign qualifications and the authentication of Nigerian certificates since the beginning of the year. Other matters under discussion at the committee include guidelines for determining the equivalence of foreign secondary school certificates and measures to ensure that schools offering foreign curricula within Nigeria adhere to national education policies.

The ministry pledged to bolster verification and regulatory measures to guarantee that only legitimate qualifications from recognized and accredited institutions are officially acknowledged.