NANS rejects FG’s proposed learner identification number

The National Association of Nigerian Students 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, reacting to the announcement of the proposed identification system by the National Orientation Agency.

The students’ body said it supported efforts to build an accurate database for the education sector but opposed the creation 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 argued that government agencies should instead strengthen and maximise the existing national identification system rather than create another layer of identification for students.

The Federal Government had announced the proposed Learner Identification Number as part of measures to improve the management and verification of educational records.

The Minister of Education, 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 part of broader efforts to link education records with the National Youth Service Corps and tackle certificate fraud.

NANS, however, said students were critical stakeholders in the education system and should be consulted before policies affecting their academic records, identity and welfare were introduced.

“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.

It also accused the National Orientation Agency of overstepping its responsibilities, arguing that the agency’s mandate was to promote communication between government and citizens and encourage public participation, rather than introduce a new identification system.

“The National Orientation Agency has clearly drifted from and has failed in its mandate,” NANS said, urging the agency to “come to terms with the limits of its mandate.”

The students’ body further called on the Federal Government to immediately suspend the introduction and implementation of the proposed learner identification number.

It said, “NANS maintains that there is no need for an additional identification number when the National Identification Number already serves as a unique means of identification.”

The development comes as the Federal Government intensifies efforts to digitise education records and strengthen the verification of academic qualifications.

The Education Ministry said its Nigerian Education Repository Data Bank was collecting and verifying university certificates, while the Nigerian Education Data Infrastructure was being developed to link records across different stages of a learner’s educational journey.

The government has also been working with the NYSC to integrate education records into the mobilisation process, with prospective corps members expected to present authenticated academic qualifications before registration for national service.

NANS said it would continue to defend the interests and welfare of Nigerian students and resist policies it considers unnecessary or burdensome.