By Jane Salihu
The Federal Ministry of Education has reaffirmed its commitment to partnering with the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) to provide digital identity for an estimated 80 million learners across Nigeria through the integration of the National Identification Number (NIN) and the National Learners’ Identification Number (LIN).
00xessential to effective governance, quality education and sustainable national development, noting that the education sector offers one of the country’s largest platforms for expanding digital identity enrollment.
He disclosed that 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), creating a reliable, biometrically verified database to support evidence-based policymaking, efficient resource allocation and improved learning outcomes.
According to the Minister, the integration will strengthen education planning, improve transparency and ensure that government interventions are accurately targeted at learners across all levels of education.
He also reaffirmed the Ministry’s readiness to collaborate closely with NIMC in implementing the provisions of the NIMC Act, 2026, describing the legislation as a major step towards building a secure and trusted digital identity ecosystem.
Earlier, the Director-General of NIMC, Engr. Bisoye Coker-Odusote, said the Commission’s nationwide stakeholder engagement was aimed at sensitising Ministries, Departments and Agencies on the provisions of the new Act while deepening collaboration for its implementation.
She explained that the legislation establishes NIMC as Nigeria’s foundational digital identity authority and provides the legal framework for secure digital governance, trusted electronic transactions and improved identity verification.
Coker-Odusote revealed that more than 120 million Nigerians have already been enrolled in the national identity database, adding that the Commission has expanded identity verification services across government institutions, financial institutions and telecommunications operators.
She noted that NIMC has also introduced the NIMC Authentication App and a free Digital ID Card to improve access to secure digital identity services nationwide.
Also speaking, the Head of Strategy and Programme Office at NIMC, Dr. Alva Nkoku, said the new legal framework will strengthen education service delivery by supporting secure student enrolment, scholarship administration, examination management and certificate authentication while reducing fraud and improving data integrity.
The Minister commended NIMC’s efforts in advancing Nigeria’s digital identity ecosystem and assured the Commission of the Ministry’s full support in ensuring that learners across the country benefit from the ongoing digital transformation.
