SNOW TV NEWS DESK
The Federal Government is considering introducing compulsory assessment tests for Nigerians who obtained university degrees abroad as part of efforts to verify their academic qualifications before they are cleared for the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).
The proposal is aimed at ensuring that foreign-trained graduates possess the necessary knowledge and academic competence expected of university graduates, while addressing growing concerns over questionable certificates and unrecognized foreign qualifications.
The Acting Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Education, Dr. Folake Olatunji-David, disclosed this on Monday, November 9, 2026, during the 37th meeting of the National Standing Committee (NSC) on Evaluation of Foreign Qualifications in Abuja.
According to her, the proposed assessment would help the government establish whether graduates from foreign institutions genuinely acquired the knowledge and skills their certificates claim to represent before their qualifications are approved for NYSC mobilization.
Olatunji-David explained that the growing number of Nigerians travelling abroad for higher education, particularly to countries within West Africa, has made stricter verification measures increasingly necessary.
She warned that Nigeria must not allow unrecognized institutions or questionable academic credentials to undermine the country’s educational standards.
While acknowledging the importance of international education and academic exchange, she maintained that foreign qualifications must demonstrate genuine learning achievements and meet acceptable standards.
She therefore urged the committee to consider introducing an assessment test as an additional requirement in evaluating foreign degrees.
Beyond the proposed examination, the ministry disclosed that it had automated the evaluation of foreign academic certificates and authentication of Nigerian qualifications since the beginning of 2026. The digital system is expected to make verification more efficient, transparent, and accountable, while ensuring that fees collected are properly remitted into government accounts.
The committee is also reviewing other measures aimed at strengthening quality assurance across Nigeria’s education sector. These include guidelines for establishing educational institutions, monitoring Nigerians studying in African universities, and verifying the accreditation status of foreign institutions through diplomatic channels.
Another proposal under consideration is a requirement for foreign-curriculum secondary schools operating in Nigeria to ensure their students sit at least one recognized public examination, such as WAEC, NECO, NABTEB, or NBAIS, before graduation.
The proposed assessment tests could introduce an additional hurdle for Nigerians educated abroad, but the government’s underlying concern is straightforward: a foreign degree should represent genuine academic achievement, not merely a certificate obtained from an institution.
However, the effectiveness of the policy will depend on how fairly and transparently the assessments are conducted, particularly for graduates from reputable foreign universities.
The government will need to ensure that the exercise protects academic standards without unfairly penalizing qualified graduates or creating unnecessary delays in NYSC mobilization.
“Sir Bartholomew White Ebe is a Lagos-based media personality, Music Artist, Producer, and a Relationship Coach and independent journalist. With over seven years of experience tracking political developments and cultural shifts in Nigeria, he specializes in local current affairs, grassroots politics, and community-driven reporting across Lagos State. As the founder and chief editor of Snow Multimedia Connect {SNOW TV}, he leads the editorial team to deliver verified, high-impact stories to digital audiences.”
Email: snowmediaconnect@gmail.com
