US Seeks Recognition Of High School Diplomas In Nigeria

A delegation from the United States Embassy in Nigeria has called for the recognition of American High School Diplomas within Nigeria’s university admission framework, urging authorities to grant the qualification parity with the Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE).

The delegation, led by Cultural Attaché, Ms Raisa Duncas, and Education Specialist, Ms Shade Adebayo, made the appeal during a courtesy visit to the Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission (NUC), Professor Abdullahi Yusufu Ribadu, in Abuja.

The visit, according to a publication on NUC website is centred on securing recognition for holders of United States High School Diplomas for admission into Nigerian universities, and exploring collaboration with American institutions on the development of Artificial Intelligence (AI) policy within the Nigerian university system.

Speaking during the meeting, Ms Duncas expressed concern over the continued non-recognition of the American High School Diploma by Nigerian institutions, regardless of whether such qualifications were obtained locally or abroad.

She noted that universities in the United States readily recognise Nigerian credentials, describing the disparity as a gap that requires urgent attention.

She also stressed the need for reciprocity in admission processes between both countries, particularly for American-trained students, including expatriate children residing in Nigeria.

According to her, Nigerian students continue to excel in American high schools and tertiary institutions, contributing over $800 million annually to the United States education sector.

Ms Duncas also raised concerns about the requirement for holders of American High School Diplomas to obtain additional qualifications from bodies such as the West African Examinations Council, National Examinations Council, or the National Business and Technical Examinations Board before qualifying to sit for the Post-Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination conducted by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board.

Describing the requirement as burdensome, she said it had become a major concern for affected students and families, hence the need for engagement with Nigerian education authorities.

On Artificial Intelligence, Ms Duncas sought clarity on efforts by the Commission to standardise AI-related policies across universities, while advocating closer collaboration between Nigeria and the United States to enhance the integration of AI in teaching and learning.

Responding, Professor Ribadu acknowledged the concerns raised, explaining that the American High School Diploma is not currently recognised within Nigeria’s qualification framework, largely due to its nomenclature and absence from the country’s formal regulatory structure.

He noted that the recognition of foreign qualifications falls under the purview of the National Council on Education, the highest policy-making body in the sector, chaired by the Minister of Education.

According to him, any qualification seeking official recognition must first be approved by the Council, after which relevant agencies, including the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board and the National Board for Technical Education, can incorporate it into their respective frameworks.

Ribadu attributed the challenge partly to differences in curriculum, noting that alignment has historically been easier with institutions in the United Kingdom due to similarities in academic structure and content.

He assured the delegation that a pathway exists for possible recognition. This, he said, could involve the development of a comprehensive concept memo to facilitate the adoption of the American High School Diploma as a qualifying examination, comparable to existing certificates issued by WAEC and NECO.

The NUC scribe added that the qualification could alternatively be positioned as a higher-level credential eligible for Direct Entry admission through JAMB, subject to approval by the National Council on Education, thereby eliminating the need for additional examinations.

However, he emphasised that any decision would require extensive stakeholder consultation, particularly involving the Federal Ministry of Education and JAMB, to determine an appropriate and acceptable framework.

On AI integration, Professor Ribadu disclosed that the Commission has already partnered with DIMLAS Corporation, a United States-based firm, to train Nigerian academics in the application of AI tools in universities.

He added that the Commission is at an advanced stage of finalising a comprehensive AI policy for the Nigerian University System, while remaining open to further collaborations.

The US delegation expressed willingness to continue consultations with key stakeholders, including JAMB and the Federal Ministry of Education, to secure broad-based support for the proposed initiatives.