Authorities in the Niger Republic have submitted an official list of accredited higher institutions to the Nigeria–Niger Joint Commission, in a move aimed at strengthening academic cooperation and ensuring clarity in certificate recognition.

The directive was issued by Niger’s Minister of Education and Scientific Research, Mamadou Saidou, who approved the forwarding of the validated list through the country’s quality assurance agency.

The list, compiled by the National Agency for Quality Assurance in Higher Education and Research, is described as the official record of recognised private universities and other higher institutions in the country. Authorities emphasised that any alternative listings should not be considered valid.

At a formal meeting, the minister handed over the document to the Secretary-General of the commission, Musa S. Mamman, for onward transmission to relevant Nigerian authorities.

Officials said the move is intended to provide a clear reference point for evaluating academic qualifications obtained in Niger, particularly for purposes such as employment, further studies and national service.

In a communication to Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the commission requested that the list be circulated among key agencies, including the National Universities Commission, National Youth Service Corps, the Council of Legal Education and the Medical Council of Nigeria.

The submission aligns with existing regional frameworks, including the Addis Ababa Declaration of 2008, which recognises Niger’s quality assurance agency as the sole body responsible for accreditation and validation of academic institutions in the country.

Education stakeholders say the development could help address longstanding concerns about the verification of foreign qualifications, particularly within West Africa, where cross-border academic mobility is common.

The Nigeria–Niger Joint Commission, established in 1971, serves as a platform for cooperation between both countries across sectors such as education, trade and security. In the education sector, it plays a coordinating role in ensuring mutual recognition of qualifications and promoting institutional collaboration.

Officials say the updated list will now serve as a reference for Nigerian agencies and other stakeholders when assessing institutions in the Niger Republic, with the aim of improving transparency and maintaining academic standards.