NANS rejects proposed learner identification number, backs use of NIN

The proposed system is also linked to ongoing government efforts to strengthen the verification of academic qualifications, connect education records with the National Youth Service Corps and curb certificate-related fraud.

However, NANS insisted that students must be involved in the development and implementation of policies that directly affect their academic records, identity and welfare.

“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,” the association stated.

The students’ body also criticised the National Orientation Agency over its role in the proposed initiative.

NANS argued that the agency’s core responsibility was to facilitate communication between the government and citizens and promote civic participation, rather than introduce or develop a new identification framework.

“The National Orientation Agency has clearly drifted from and has failed in its mandate,” NANS said, calling on the agency to recognise the limits of its responsibilities.

The association subsequently called on the Federal Government to halt the proposed introduction of the Learner Identification Number.

It maintained that creating another identification number for students was unnecessary, given the existence of the National Identification Number as a unique means of identifying Nigerians.

The controversy comes as the Federal Government intensifies efforts to digitise education records and improve the authentication of academic qualifications across the country.

The Ministry of Education has announced initiatives including the Nigerian Education Repository Data Bank, which is expected to support the collection and verification of university certificates.

The government is also developing the Nigerian Education Data Infrastructure to connect records across different stages of a learner’s academic journey.

In addition, efforts are underway to integrate verified educational records into the National Youth Service Corps mobilisation process, with prospective corps members expected to present authenticated academic qualifications before registering for national service.

NANS said it would continue to protect the interests of Nigerian students and oppose policies it considers unnecessary or likely to place additional burdens on learners.