Nigeria to Introduce Aptitude Tests for Foreign-Trained Graduates

The Federal Government of Nigeria is proposing the introduction of assessment tests for Nigerians who obtained university degrees from foreign institutions, particularly in West Africa, before they can participate in the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC). This move aims to ensure that foreign-trained graduates possess the requisite knowledge and competencies reflected in their certificates. The proposal was disclosed by Dr. Olatunji-David Olubanke Folake, the acting Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Education.

Dr. Folake made this announcement at the opening of the 37th meeting of the National Standing Committee on Evaluation of Foreign Qualifications in Abuja. She stated that the growing number of Nigerians studying in higher institutions across African countries, particularly in West Africa, necessitated the proposal. The committee, which is the highest decision-making body responsible for evaluating foreign qualifications, will consider introducing assessment tests as an additional measure for verifying the academic competence of foreign-trained graduates.

The acting Permanent Secretary expressed concern over the increasing cases of forged Nigerian and foreign degree certificates. She stressed that the government is taking measures to ensure that only genuine qualifications from duly accredited institutions are recognised. The Ministry has recorded progress in improving the operations of its Evaluation and Accreditation Division through the verification of foreign universities and authentication of certificates.

The evaluation of foreign qualifications and authentication of Nigerian certificates have been automated and digitalised since the beginning of 2026. This digitalisation has improved the Ministry's revenue generation, as applicable fees are now remitted directly into government accounts. The Ministry also issues eligibility and proficiency letters to Nigerians travelling abroad for employment or further studies.

The National Standing Committee will review guidelines for issuing no-objection letters required for registering proposed educational institutions with the Corporate Affairs Commission. The committee will also examine compliance by foreign-curriculum secondary schools operating in Nigeria with the country's education policy on senior school certificate examinations.

Some foreign-curriculum schools have been preparing students exclusively for foreign examinations without ensuring that they sat for recognised Nigerian examinations. The acting Permanent Secretary insisted that such schools must prepare their students for at least one approved examination conducted by recognised examination bodies. The committee will also consider establishing mechanisms for monitoring Nigerians studying in African institutions.

The Director of Education Support Services, Mr. Gabriel Amudipe, urged members to ensure fairness, objectivity, and transparency in evaluating foreign qualifications. He stressed the importance of ensuring that graduates who genuinely earned their qualifications are promptly cleared, while those who failed to meet the required standards receive appropriate guidance.

Key points

• The proposed aptitude tests aim to verify the academic competence of foreign-trained graduates before their certificates are evaluated for NYSC mobilisation.
• The Federal Government is taking measures to prevent certificate forgery and ensure that only genuine qualifications from accredited institutions are recognised.
• The evaluation of foreign qualifications and authentication of Nigerian certificates have been automated and digitalised to improve efficiency and revenue generation.