Design and Implementation of a Blockchain-Based Certificate Verification System for Secure Academic Credential Authentication

Abstract

Certificate forgery is a pervasive issue in Nigeria’s educational system, undermining trust in academic credentials and causing delays in verification processes. Traditional paper-based systems are inefficient, costly, and susceptible to tampering. This study presents a blockchain-based certificate verification system that leverages Ethereum smart contracts, InterPlanetary File System (IPFS) for decentralized storage, and PostgreSQL for off-chain metadata management to provide a secure, tamper-proof, and real-time verification platform. The system, implemented using React.js for the frontend, Node.js for the backend, and Solidity for smart contracts, enables institutions to issue digital certificates with embedded QR codes and allows instant verification by employers and other stakeholders. Testing on the Ethereum testnet demonstrated 98% accuracy in detecting forged certificates, with verification times under 2 seconds. The system enhances transparency, reduces administrative overhead, and aligns with Nigeria’s push for technological innovation in education. Challenges such as Ethereum gas fees and institutional adoption are discussed, with recommendations for scalability and mobile support.