UK Certificate Recognition Agency Commends WAEC Over Verification Portal

 

The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has received praise for its digital certificate verification portal, which has been described as "impressive and fascinating" by the UK National Information Centre for Global Qualification and Skills, ECCTIS.

The digital verification platform is the latest in a line of technology products from the council.

ECCTIS is a provider of solutions and services in international education, training and skills, as well as in the recognition of globally portable qualifications. 

It is internationally trusted and respected for qualifications and skills standards that provides official UK national agency services on behalf of the UK government in qualifications, skills, and migration.

Tim Buttress, the Head of the Stakeholder Management Group of the UK ENIC, gave this commendation at a webinar held in conjunction with WAEC on  Friday in Lagos, 

Buttress said the main purpose of the webinar was to give an understanding of the main reasons behind the creation of online verification portals, as well as talk about the future of students’ mobility from West Africa and other relevant topics.

He noted that Delegates from countries across the globe, such as the UK, Italy, Canada, New Zealand, Iceland, Malaysia, USA and others, participated in the conference. 

The UK ENIC boss highlighted that the launch of the digital verification platform by the councilrepresents a significant step forard, and will greatly improve the processes while mking operations more efficient.

Patrick Areghan, the Head of Nigeria National Office, WAEC said the initiative would support the mobility of students moving from Nigeria to other parts of the globe as it was easy, convenient and prompt, with a little token. 

He explained that before the launch of the platform, the council used a manual system which he said was time-consuming and required a lot of effort alongside other bureaucratic hurdles.

“We are selling this product to the entire world, the universities, polytechnics and colleges of Education the world over. It is a very good marketing strategy for us, as we are seizing the opportunity to sensitise the world about this new product from the stable of WAEC.

“The mode created challenges for persons from not only Nigeria but the continent, seeking to grab opportunities abroad.

“The idea of the digital mode of accessing our certificates then came up and here we are today. With this new digital platform, issues of doubt, delay, human

intervention, fire, wetness and outright loss of certificates and others, will be adequately taken care of,” he said.

Areghan noted that the council’s adoption of this platform was its contribution to global development, as it makes its services available to any part of the world, thereby mking it a truly global village.

He also mentioned that one of the council’s mandates is to foster regional cooperation.

When asked if other member countries had adopted the platform, Areghan said Ghana will be joining soon.

“Right now, I must say that most of the five member countries are yet to key in but country like Ghana has given us a firm assurance of adopting this technology very soon. 

“You know, though WAEC is a sub regional body, made up of various countries, they are all independent.

“Every country moves at its own pace, under the general umbrella of the headquarters. 

“They can all move only when they are ready to. Like I said before, ours is a pilot scheme, which is to say, they don’t need to repeat any of the processes any more, to embrace the technology.

“All they need do when they are ready is just to supply copies of the certificates to the service providers and they will heat the ground running.

“All what member countries need to do is just to show the will and move. That of Nigeria has proven to be very effective,” the stated.