The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) on Thursday officially launched a Digital Certificate platform that would check the activities of unauthorised persons and eliminate fraud.
In his address, the Head of the National Office Nigeria, WAEC, Mr Patrick Areghan explained that the digital certificate is the electronic version of an academic or physical paper certificate with numerous advantages.
While highlighting the benefits, Areghan maintained that the digital certificate platform would give certificate holders the power to prevent unauthorised users from accessing their data.
“The platform is compliant with global best practices by ensuring that the data of candidates are protected securely and cannot be accessed by the parties without the consent of certificate owners.
“Institutions and organisations can confirm with ease the reliability and authenticity of individuals’ certificates on the digital certificates platform. This eliminates fraud and will send unscrupulous persons out of the market. It has many security doors that make it possible to hack.
“Also, universities, institutions and organisations can enjoy a seamless, secure, and fast confirmation process with the digital platform. It also allows for bulk confirmation of certificates at once. This saves valuable admission costs and time,” Areghan added.
The HNO affirmed that the platform is well secured and safe from hackers.
Earlier, Areghan opined that since the commencement of assessment, certificates have been issued to represent students’ performance in examinations. “Such certificates help them to advance their educational development or get involved in the world of work. So, for centuries, academic certificates have been issued as physical paper certificates. This is the traditional certificate.
“However, with the advent of technology, there is the need to integrate technology with students’ lifestyles. Today, we live in a digital world where instant satisfaction and accessibility are the ultimate.
“The process of receiving, retrieving, sharing, verifying or confirming academic certificates is rather cumbersome and moribund. The whole process is costly and could be frustrating, and the only answer can be found in Digital Certificates,” he said.
