DocVerify: A Service-Oriented Model for Academic Credential Integrity

The integrity of academic credentials has become a critical issue, especially in developing countries like Nigeria, where cases of certificate forgery and delays in transcript generation have been on the rise. In response to this credential pandemic, this study projects a service-oriented model – DocVerify for academic certificate verification within Nigerian academic institutions. A design science research methodology was adopted, combining the service-oriented architecture modelling language and the software-oriented heterogeneous architecture and platforms engineering approach. The methodology focused on the design of service models with a scenario-based evaluation using test parameters from already graduated participants. The model demonstrated integrity in the signature and verification services of academic credentials. The outcome established that once a certificate is issued and verified, it cannot be altered, indicating a significant reduction in the incidence of fraudulent certificates in circulation. The findings highlighted high satisfaction with the system’s usability and adaptability toward restoring trust in academic qualifications issued by Nigerian universities. Furthermore, the reduction in administrative burden is a critical outcome of the system's implementation, aligning with global trends toward the automation of administrative processes in education. The study concludes with implications that the service-oriented verification model offers a viable solution for combating certificate forgery and improving academic credential verification processes. Future research should focus on addressing the identified limitations of DocVerify to facilitate wider adoption.