The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has rejected the Federal Government’s proposed National Learner Identification Number, describing the initiative as unnecessary because the National Identification Number (NIN) already serves as a unique means of identification for Nigerians.
NANS President, Akinteye Afeez, made the position known in a statement issued on Wednesday in response to the announcement of the proposed learner identification system by the National Orientation Agency (NOA).
The students’ body said it supports the Federal Government’s efforts to develop an accurate and reliable database for the education sector but disagrees with the introduction of a separate identification number for students.
NANS: NIN Already Provides National IdentificationAccording to NANS, creating another identification number for learners would amount to unnecessary duplication of the existing national identification system.
“There is no justification for imposing another identification number on Nigerian students when the National Identification Number already exists as the nationally recognised means of identification for citizens,” the association said.
NANS urged government agencies to strengthen and maximise the existing NIN system instead of creating another layer of identification specifically for students.
Why FG Proposed Learner Identification Number
The Federal Government had announced the proposed Learner Identification Number as part of efforts to improve the management, tracking and verification of educational records in Nigeria.
Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, said the system would help establish accurate identity records from the beginning of a learner’s educational journey and reduce discrepancies that could affect graduates in the future.
The initiative is also linked to wider government efforts to integrate education records with the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) and combat certificate fraud in the Nigerian education system.
NANS Demands Students’ ConsultationWhile opposing the proposed identification number, NANS stressed that Nigerian students are key stakeholders in the education sector and should be consulted before policies affecting their academic records, identity and welfare are implemented.
“Nigerian students are not mere beneficiaries of the education system; we are critical stakeholders in its development and must be carried along in every policy formulation and implementation that directly affects our academic lives, identity, records, welfare, and future,” NANS said.
The association also criticised the National Orientation Agency, accusing it of exceeding its responsibilities by becoming involved in the introduction of an identification system.
NANS argued that the agency’s primary mandate is to promote communication between government and citizens and encourage public participation, rather than introduce a new identification framework.
NANS Calls for Immediate SuspensionThe students’ body called on the Federal Government to immediately suspend the introduction and implementation of the proposed National Learner Identification Number.
NANS maintained that the NIN should remain the primary identification mechanism for Nigerian students, while existing education databases should be strengthened and integrated with the national identification system.
The development comes as the Federal Government intensifies efforts to digitise education records, verify academic qualifications and tackle certificate fraud.
The Ministry of Education is also developing systems designed to link education records across different stages of a learner’s academic journey, while the government has been working with NYSC to integrate educational records into the mobilisation process.
NANS said it would continue to defend the interests and welfare of Nigerian students and oppose policies it considers unnecessary or burdensome.
