The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has rejected the Federal Government’s proposed National Learner Identification Number, describing it as an unnecessary duplication of the National Identification Number already issued to Nigerians.
NANS President, Akinteye Afeez, stated this in a statement issued on Wednesday in response to the proposed identification system announced by the National Orientation Agency.
The students’ body said it supported efforts to develop an accurate and reliable database for the education sector but opposed the introduction of a separate identification number for learners.
“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 association urged the government to strengthen and maximise the existing national identification system instead of creating another layer of identification for students.
The Federal Government had proposed the Learner Identification Number as part of measures to improve the management, tracking and verification of educational records.
Education Minister, 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 later.
The initiative is also expected to support the integration of education records with the National Youth Service Corps and strengthen efforts to tackle certificate fraud.
However, NANS argued that students, as key stakeholders in the education system, should be consulted before policies affecting their academic records, identity and welfare are introduced.
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“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.
NANS also accused the National Orientation Agency of exceeding its mandate, arguing that its primary responsibility is to promote communication between government and citizens and encourage public participation.
“The National Orientation Agency has clearly drifted from and has failed in its mandate,” the association said, urging the agency to “come to terms with the limits of its mandate.”
The students’ body called on the Federal Government to suspend the proposed learner identification system, insisting that the NIN already provides a unique means of identifying Nigerian citizens.
The disagreement comes as the government accelerates efforts to digitise education records and improve the verification of academic qualifications.
The Ministry of Education has been developing digital platforms and databases aimed at consolidating education records and linking a learner’s information across different stages of their academic journey.
The government is also working with the NYSC to integrate education records into the mobilisation process, with prospective corps members expected to present authenticated academic qualifications before registering for national service.
NANS said it would continue to advocate for Nigerian students and oppose policies it considers unnecessary, duplicative or potentially burdensome to learners.