The Federal Government has intensified efforts to build a unified education database by integrating learners’ records with the National Identification Number (NIN), a move expected to cover about 80 million Nigerians across basic, tertiary, technical and vocational education institutions.
Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, disclosed that while millions of learners have already been captured, the figure will rise to about 80 million when students in tertiary institutions and learners in technical and vocational education are added.
According to him, the number represents nearly one-third of Nigeria’s estimated population.
Alausa stressed that the education sector constitutes one of the country’s largest population groups, making collaboration between the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) and the education sector critical to national planning.
“The education sector represents one of the largest pools of citizens in the country. Therefore, collaboration between NIMC and the education sector is essential,” he said.
The Minister revealed that the Federal Ministry of Education has developed the National Learners’ Identification Number, which is now being aligned with the National Identification Number to harmonise every learner’s record with the National Education Management Information System.
According to him, integrating the two systems will enable government to verify learners’ identities, generate credible education statistics and strengthen planning, monitoring and policy implementation across the sector.
“This gives us access to credible biometric information linked to each learner’s NIN. We can now verify every learner’s identity and determine whether the individual is a Nigerian citizen or a legal resident with a valid identification number.
“This enables us to aggregate and disaggregate education data accurately, providing evidence-based information for policy formulation, interventions, planning, monitoring and evaluation,” Alausa said.
The Minister reaffirmed his Ministry’s commitment to supporting NIMC in creating a reliable national identity database.
“Today, DG, I could not be happier with the progress we have made together. You have our full commitment.
Whatever support you require from us to make your work easier in establishing a single source of truth for Nigeria, we will provide it,” he added.
In her remarks, the Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of the National Identity Management Commission, Engr. Abisoye Coker-Odusote, praised the education minister for the reforms being implemented in the sector.
Describing the reforms as transformative, Coker-Odusote said the commission would continue to support efforts to strengthen identity management within Nigeria’s education system.
“On behalf of NIMC and indeed all Nigerians, we commend you for the remarkable work you have done. The transformation you have brought to the education sector is truly outstanding.
“As the custodian of Nigeria’s identity system, NIMC will continue to support your efforts to strengthen identity management within the education sector,” she said.