By Efe Onodjae

Edo State Government has launched EdoCert, an innovative digital platform designed to streamline certificate issuance and verification for students across the state.

EdoCert, as a cutting-edge digital platform is part of the broader DiCert digital public infrastructure in the state, supported by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.

While launching the EdoCert platform the state Commissioner for Education, Dr. Joan Oviawe, said the initiative aligns with the vision of the Governor Godwin Obaseki to position Edo State as a leader in technology adoption within public service.

In a statement sent to Vanguard, Oviawe explained: “EdoCert is set to revolutionise educational administration in Edo State by enhancing operational efficiency and significantly reducing costs.”

According to her, “We are excited about this milestone and the long-term impact of this digitization effort on our commitment to improving learning delivery across the state. Certificates issued from 2019 to date will now be available online and accessible with students’ IDs and various identification codes. These certificates will be digitally verifiable, providing students with secure, easy, and cost-effective access to their academic credentials.

“This initiative will significantly enhance learning outcomes in the state and serve as a model for other states and countries in Africa to adopt. We extend our gratitude to the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation for supporting this initiative, and to EdoDiDA, the Edo State data agency, and Data Science Nigeria, the implementing partner for the project”, the Hon. Commissoioner declared.

EdoCert marks a significant advancement in modernizing education management in the state. By automating the certificate issuance process, it eliminates manual errors, enhances data accuracy, prevents fraud, and ensures consistency across records.

The platform is scalable and accessible, enabling students to receive their certificates promptly, irrespective of their location. This digital approach promotes inclusivity, ensuring that all students, including those in remote and underserved areas, benefit from this technological progress.

Dr. Bayo Adekanmbi, CEO of Data Science Nigeria, the implementing partner for the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation in Edo State, expressed optimism with the achievement:  “We are excited about the possibilities that DiCert offers as a digital public good, enabling citizens to easily access essential services like academic credentials. For Edo State and other states that 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 provide instant verification for educational institutions and employers, thereby enhancing the credibility of the learning delivery system.”

He added, “The impact of EdoCert extends beyond operational efficiency; it is pivotal in fraud prevention and verification. The platform incorporates advanced security features, such as unique identifiers and digital signatures, simplifying the process for parents, guardians, educational institutions, and employers to verify the authenticity of certificates.

“The integration with the National Identity Number (NIN) for students who possess it further strengthens the validity of the certificates, confirming that the certificate holder is accurately represented in the national identity database. Additionally, EdoCert improves record-keeping and data management, providing the Ministry of Education with comprehensive, easily retrievable records of issued certificates, supporting better decision-making and strategic planning,” Dr. Adekanmbi noted.