National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has urged the Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Mr. Adeola Oluwatosin Ajayi, to prioritise the fight against certificate forgery, describing it as a national security concern that undermines Nigeria’s educational and institutional credibility.
The call was made in a statement signed by the NANS Assistant General Secretary, Olatunji Adejuwon, and made available to journalists on Friday to commemorate Ajayi’s first anniversary in office.
According to the students’ body, the DSS should take a more proactive role in addressing certificate fraud and related misconduct through inter-agency collaboration and stronger verification mechanisms.
“It is time for the Service to treat certificate forgery not merely as an administrative infraction but as a national security threat capable of infiltrating governance and policy-making. This is a matter of national integrity that directly affects the credibility of our education, public institutions, and Nigeria’s image before the international community,” the statement read.
NANS commended the DSS leadership under Ajayi for its commitment to professionalism, discipline, and institutional reforms within one year, describing his tenure as one marked by improved synergy with other security agencies and enhanced morale among personnel.
The association also highlighted what it called “quiet but impactful reforms” within the DSS, including efforts to promote meritocracy, inclusion, and transparency in leadership and recruitment processes.
While acknowledging these achievements, NANS said the issue of certificate forgery required deliberate attention, urging the DSS to work closely with key stakeholders — including the Federal Ministry of Education, Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), and tertiary institutions — to strengthen the national framework for certificate verification.
It recommended the introduction of a digitised verification system that would enable the authentication of academic and professional documents and deter future infractions.
“Offenders should be swiftly investigated and prosecuted to serve as a deterrent to others. Every scandal involving forged credentials undermines the hard work of millions of students and graduates who earned their certificates legitimately,” NANS added.
The association further urged the DSS to integrate certificate verification into its vetting processes for appointments and promotions in the public service, noting that such measures would enhance public trust and preserve the nation’s integrity.
“The DSS, under Mr. Ajayi’s leadership, has the capacity to lead the fight against certificate forgery and protect the credibility of Nigeria’s educational system,” the statement concluded.