The Federal Ministry of Education has fully automated the evaluation and authentication of academic credentials, allowing applicants to complete the process online without travelling to the Ministry's headquarters in Abuja.
The Ministry announced the reform on 8 September 2026, saying it is intended to reduce delays, improve transparency and make credential-processing services easier to access for Nigerians at home and abroad.
What services are available online?
The new Education Support Services portal handles several services.
Authentication
Use Authentication if you have a qualification obtained in Nigeria and need it verified for purposes such as:
- further studies abroad;
- employment abroad; or
- migration and other official international requirements.
Evaluation
Use Evaluation if you obtained a qualification outside Nigeria and need the Federal Ministry of Education to determine its Nigerian equivalent for:
- employment;
- further education; or
- other official purposes in Nigeria.
There is also a special Evaluation for NYSC route for holders of foreign Bachelor's degrees seeking NYSC mobilisation, exemption or exclusion.
The portal also provides services for Eligibility/English Proficiency Letters and Letters of No Objection.
How to apply online
Step 1: Create an account
Go to:
FME Evaluation and Authentication Portal
Create an account using a valid email address, verify your email and log in.
Step 2: Select the service you need
Choose the appropriate application:
- Evaluation;
- Authentication;
- Evaluation for NYSC;
- Eligibility/English Proficiency Letter; or
- No Objection Letter.
Complete the required personal and qualification details.
Step 3: Select your documents
Indicate the qualifications and supporting documents you intend to submit.
Applicants must also state the correct number of pages being uploaded because the application fee is calculated partly from the number of pages declared.
Step 4: Make payment
The portal generates a Remita Retrieval Reference (RRR).
Payment can be made through a Remita-supported channel such as:
- bank;
- debit card; or
- USSD.
The Ministry states that payments are non-refundable.
Step 5: Upload your documents
Upload clear and legible scanned copies of the required documents.
The number of uploaded pages must agree with the number declared during payment. The Ministry warns that uploads containing more pages than declared may be rejected.
Your institution may need to send your transcript
For qualifications requiring a transcript, the awarding institution must send the official academic transcript directly to the Ministry.
The current portal specifically warns applicants not to email their own transcript. It must come from the institution's official email address.
After opening the application, applicants should provide their application number to their institution so it can be included when the transcript is sent.
The live portal currently lists:
Evaluation transcripts:ess.evaluation@ess.education.gov.ng
Authentication transcripts:ess.authentication@ess.education.gov.ng
Applicants should follow the transcript address displayed in their own application because the Ministry has used different official transcript addresses during the transition to the upgraded system.
What about WAEC and NECO results?
WAEC and NECO results can be verified electronically through the portal.
Applicants will need a valid result-checker or scratch-card PIN, and the system connects with WAEC or NECO for verification.
Do you still need to travel to Abuja?
No.
The Ministry specifically states that applicants are not required to visit its offices physically for verification.
Application, payment, uploading of documents, tracking and delivery of the processed result are handled online.
This is one of the main differences between the new portal and the older system, which included physical appointments at the Ministry.
Can employers verify documents?
Yes.
The new ESS portal also includes a verification facility through which an institution, employer or other recipient can check the authenticity of documents and letters issued through the system using their reference numbers.
Important tips before applying
Applicants should:
- scan documents clearly before starting;
- enter the correct number of document pages;
- use an active email address;
- ensure names on submitted qualifications are consistent;
- contact their institution early if an official transcript is required;
- make sure transcripts are sent from an official institutional email address, not Gmail, Yahoo or another personal account; and
- keep the application number for tracking and correspondence.
What is the processing time?
The Ministry says the automated system is intended to reduce processing delays, but the current official portal does not provide one guaranteed processing time applicable to every application.
For applications requiring transcripts, processing does not properly begin until the Ministry receives and accepts the transcript from the awarding institution.
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