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Enrolment » Step-by-step

Guidelines

How to Onboard to the National Digitisation Programme

For all higher institutions and public/private organisations in Nigeria.

Start Enrolment FGN Circular (8 Aug 2025) Thesis Upload Procedures

Programme Overview

The National Digitisation Programme streamlines the secure onboarding of all Nigerian higher institutions and public/private organisations into the NERD ecosystem—covering records, credential management, manuscript digitisation, publication indexing, originality checks, and compliant data exchange.

Purpose. Create a unified, standards-based pipeline for institutional onboarding, data quality, and verified participation across the national education, corporate organisation, and research landscape.

Who Should Enrol

All higher institutions (Universities, Polytechnics, Monotechnics, Colleges of Education), specialised academies, institutes, and public/private organisations participating in national digitisation.

  • Federal, State, and Private institutions
  • Military and Paramilitary institutions
  • Regulatory and allied agencies with education or research mandates
  • Professional bodies and charters
  • Public and private organisations integrating with NERD services
  • Students (home and abroad), alumni, academic staff, non-academic staff, and workers (in private and public sectors)

Designated Officers (per FGN Circular)

To proceed smoothly with enrolment, the Head of the Institution (e.g., Vice-Chancellor, Rector, Provost, Principal, Director) or the Chief Executive of an organisation should appoint the following, in line with the Federal Government circular dated 8 August 2025:

  • NFO NERD Focal Officer
  • NRO NERD Records Officer
  • NDO NERD Digitisation Officer

Reference: FGN NERD Compliance Circular (8 Aug 2025).

Official Communication of Appointments

The Institution/Organisation’s Chief Executive should formally communicate the appointed focal persons to NERD Management on official letterhead (signed). The letter must include:

  • Title and Full Names of each appointee
  • Designation and Rank
  • Official Phone Numbers and Email Addresses
Submission: Email a scanned copy to secretariat[at]ned.gov.ng. After this, the designated NFO should complete online enrolment.

Enrolment Steps

  1. Prepare the Appointment Letter. Ensure the signed letter on official letterhead contains all required details for NFO, NRO, and NDO. For students, each needs an attestation letter from his/her institution's registry if using direct enrolment. Use of official emais like .edu.ng, .gov.ng will fast-track verification processes
  2. Submit the Letter. Email to secretariat[at]ned.gov.ng. Only institution/organisation's Focal Persons are required to submit this letter by email. Students should simply commence the enrolment process and upload the letter when asked
  3. NFO Registers Online. The NFO should enrol as an Organisation’s Representative / Institution Focal Person (selecting Academic or Registry Staff) at ned.gov.ng/onboarding.
  4. Identity Verification. Have a valid government ID ready (INEC Voter’s Card, Driver’s Licence, International Passport, or National ID). This applies to everyone.
  5. Complete NERD Profile. Provide institution/organisation details, accreditation/recognition info (as applicable), and focal team contacts.
  6. Confirm & Submit. Review entries, accept declarations, and submit.
Proceed to Enrolment View Government Circular

Timelines

The entire onboarding process can be completed in approximately 7 minutes, assuming the appointment letter and identification documents are readily available.

Help & Support

Need a hand? We’re here to help.

For faster resolution, include your institution/organisation name, RC/charter number (if applicable), and the names/emails of your NFO/NRO/NDO in your message.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is authorised to appoint the NFO, NRO, and NDO?
The Head of the Institution (Vice-Chancellor, Rector, Provost, Principal, Director) or the Chief Executive of a public/private organisation, as directed by the FGN circular.
What IDs are acceptable for identity verification?
Any one of the following: INEC Voter’s Card, Driver’s Licence, International Passport, or National Identity Card.
Can we start enrolment before sending the appointment letter?
Please send the signed appointment letter first; the NFO may then proceed to complete online enrolment.
How long does onboarding take?
About 7 minutes, provided all documents and details are ready.
Institutions and public/private organisations are also encouraged to enrol their Principal or Chief Librarians as part of the instorical digitisation module of NERD.