In recent years university graduates have grown exponentially and these has necessitated the need for verification of certificates to ascertain its authenticity. As a result this research delves into the complex nature of credential verification
systems at Nigerian universities, examining the current challenges and proposing solutions to enhance reliability and effectiveness. The research identifies inefficiencies in the current manual-centric certificate verification methods, which stem from resistance to technological change, lack of digital infrastructure, and procedural bottlenecks. It recommends for the adoption of blockchain technology as a feasible solution to streamline the verification process due to its immutability and decentralization. In the Blockchain Technology each block contains set of transaction, these transaction could be cryptocurrency transaction, digital certificate, bill of lading etc., the transaction data is replicated to all the nodes to form identical transaction details in ledger. The transaction details are validated by intermediators, there after the valid transactions are updated and new mined block will appended with longest chain. Blockchain transaction are cryptographically sealed which ensure security. Using Digital Acacdemic Certificate based on blockchain technology can address this problem. Blockchain can be best described as a decentralized distributed digital ledger collectively maintained by a network of computers, called nodes. The data in the blockchain cannot be modified by aperson without the consent of everyone else who maintains the records. This makes the data within it secure. The proposed recommendations encompass various aspects, including integrating university databases, forming consultative bodies, standardizing certificate protocols, fostering stakeholder collaboration, conducting pilot projects, diversifying funding sources, and prioritizing staff upskilling. The study discussed how blockchain technology has the potential to revolutionize certificate verification processes at Nigerian universities, ushering in a new era of improved effectiveness, efficiency, and convenience..

Authors: I.P. Oladoja, O.H. Kolawole, A.O. Oronti, O.O. Abereowo, O.A. Akinsowon, O.Y. Ogunlola, B.K. Alese

Published in: International Conference on Information Society (i-Society-2024)

• Date of Conference: 26-28 August, 2024
• DOI: 10.20533/iSociety.2024.0026
• ISBN: 978-1-913572-72-3
• Conference Location: Churchill College, Cambridge, UK