UNIZIK rolls out digital clearance and certificates to speed graduation

Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, has introduced digital systems for student clearance, provisional certificates and transcript processing in an effort to reduce delays in graduation procedures, Vice-Chancellor Prof Bond Anyaehie said. Anyaehie announced the changes in Abuja on Saturday during the 2026 International Convention of the Nnamdi Azikiwe University Alumni Association. The convention was held under the theme, “Innovation, Integrity and Inclusion: Rekindling the Zik Vision for a New Era.” Under the new clearance system, graduating students will be able to complete the process from anywhere in the world, according to the vice-chancellor.

He said approval would be issued within five days, describing the digital process as a way to remove delays linked to manual procedures. The university has also introduced a system that automatically generates provisional certificates once students complete clearance. Anyaehie said graduates would be able to download the documents online rather than wait for a manual process to be completed.

The provisional certificates will include barcodes. Employers and other institutions will be able to scan the codes, receive an authentication code and verify the certificates, he said. Anyaehie also said UNIZIK had digitised transcript processing to make the service faster.

Staff responsible for transcripts had been encouraged to ensure that students and graduates did not face unnecessary delays, he added. The vice-chancellor said the administration also planned to improve classroom facilities. He said students should not be expected to attend lectures in rooms without adequate seating and other necessary facilities.

He credited alumni chapters and other partners with supporting projects and helping the university address some of its challenges. Anyaehie said further progress would depend on cooperation between the institution, its alumni and other partners.