The National Association of Nigerian Students has kicked against the Federal Government’s plan to introduce a separate identification number for learners, arguing that the initiative amounts to a duplication of the existing National Identification Number.
NANS President, Akinteye Afeez, disclosed the position in a statement issued on Wednesday in reaction to the proposed National Learner Identification Number announced by the National Orientation Agency.
While acknowledging the need for a reliable database for the education sector, the students’ body said creating another identification system for learners was unnecessary.
The association maintained that the National Identification Number already provides Nigerians with a nationally recognised means of identification and should be strengthened for use across government systems.
“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,” NANS said.
The Federal Government had proposed the Learner Identification Number as part of efforts to improve the management and verification of educational records.
Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, said the initiative would provide accurate identity records from the beginning of a learner’s educational journey and help address discrepancies that could affect graduates in the future.
The programme is also linked to wider government efforts to connect education records with the National Youth Service Corps and combat certificate fraud.
However, NANS insisted that students, as key stakeholders in the education sector, must be consulted before policies affecting their academic records, identity, welfare and future 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,” the association said.
READ ALSO: How To Apply For 2026 NANS Student Entrepreneurs Grant
NANS also criticised the National Orientation Agency over its involvement in the proposed identification system, alleging that the agency had moved beyond its core responsibilities.
The students’ body argued that the agency’s mandate should focus on communication between government and citizens and the promotion of public participation.
“The National Orientation Agency has clearly drifted from and has failed in its mandate,” NANS said, urging the agency to respect the limits of its responsibilities.
The association subsequently called on the Federal Government to suspend the proposed learner identification system, reiterating that the NIN already serves as a unique means of identification.
The development comes as the government intensifies efforts to digitise education records and strengthen the verification of academic qualifications.
The Education Ministry is also developing systems to link records across different stages of a learner’s educational journey, while working with the NYSC to integrate academic 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.