The Edo State Ministry of Education, in collaboration with the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, has launched EdoCert, a pioneering digital platform designed to enhance certificate generation and verification.
This initiative aims to boost the education of students and simplify administrative operations through cutting-edge technology.
EdoCert, designed for students across the state, is a huge advancement in how academic credentials are issued and managed.
With innovative solutions, the platform is set to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and ensure secure, accessible verification of certificates for learners across the state.
Speaking at the launch of the unique EdoCert innovation solution, the Commissioner for Education, Honourable Dr. Joan Oviawe said, “We are very excited about this milestone and the long-term of this digitalization effort on our commitment to improving learning delivery across the state. I am glad to mention that certificates issued from 2019 to date will now be available online and accessible with students’ IDs and various identification codes of the students, and the certificates will be digitally verifiable”.
According to the Commissioner, the platform launched on the 4th of September, is designed to provide students with secure, easy, and cost-effective access to their academic credentials.
“This effort will significantly improve learning outcomes in the state and serve as a model for other states and countries in Africa to adopt. Thanks to the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation for supporting the initiative, EdoDiDA the Edo state data agency, Data Science Nigeria the implementing partner for the project.”
Dr. Oviawe also disclosed that the initiative aligns with the transformation agenda championed by the Executive Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, who is committed to positioning Edo State as a leader in technology adoption within public service.
EdoCert represents a major leap forward in the state’s efforts to modernise education management. By automating the certificate issuance process, the platform eliminates manual errors, enhances data accuracy, eradicates fraud, and ensures consistency across records.
It also offers scalability and accessibility, enabling students to receive their certificates promptly, regardless of their location. This digital approach is designed to foster inclusivity, ensuring that all students, including those in remote and underserved areas, benefit from this technological advancement.
Expressing his optimism on the innovative feat to position Edo State as a leader in technology adoption within public service especially as it relates to education, Dr Bayo Adekanmbi, the CEO of Data Science Nigeria, the Bill and Melinda Gates implementing partner in the state, said that the team is excited about the possibilities of DiCert, a digital public good in how citizens can easily access basic services like academic credentialing.
“For Edo State and other states that will adopt this strategic social investment, DiCert will expedite access to education certificates, eliminating costs associated with delays and unverifiable credentials, such as lost academic opportunities and missed scholarships. It will also offer instant verification for educational institutions and employers while enhancing the credibility of the learning delivery system”.
According to the Data Science expert, the impact of EdoCert extends beyond just operational efficiency. The platform plays a key role in fraud prevention and verification by incorporating security features such as unique identifiers and digital signatures, making it easier for guardians, institutions, and employers to verify the authenticity of certificates.
The platform’s additional feature of being able to integrate with the National Identity Number, for learners who have it further enhances the legitimacy of the certificates, verifying that the learner whose name appears on the certificate is the same as represented in the national identity database.
Additionally, it improves record-keeping and data management, providing the Ministry of Education with comprehensive and easily retrievable records of issued certificates, which supports better decision-making and future planning.
