The Federal Ministry of Education has reaffirmed its commitment to working with the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) to provide digital identity for about 80 million learners across Nigeria.
Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, made the commitment during a stakeholder engagement on the newly enacted NIMC Act, 2026, stating that a credible national identity system is essential for effective governance, quality education, and sustainable economic development.
He said the Ministry has made significant progress in integrating the National Learners’ Identification Number (LIN) with the National Identification Number (NIN) through the Nigeria Education Management Information System (NEMIS).
According to the minister, the integration will provide reliable, biometrically verified education data to support better policymaking, efficient resource allocation, and improved learning outcomes across the country.
Alausa noted that with approximately 80 million learners at different levels of education, the sector provides a strong platform for expanding digital identity enrollment and improving national planning.
He also reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to collaborating with NIMC to ensure the successful implementation of the NIMC Act, 2026.
NIMC Director-General, Engr. Bisoye Coker-Odusote, said the new law establishes the Commission as Nigeria’s foundational digital identity authority and provides the legal framework for secure digital governance, trusted electronic transactions, stronger data integrity, and the prevention of identity-related fraud.
