The Federal Government has announced the issuance of Learner Identification Numbers (LIN) to at least 1.9 million students, marking the beginning of a nationwide rollout of a digital identity system designed to transform Nigeria’s education sector.

The initiative, formally launched by the Federal Ministry of Education, introduces for the first time a permanent, traceable academic identity for every learner in the country.

The LIN system is expected to support learning continuity, strengthen education data management, and enhance service delivery across all levels.

Minister of Education, Dr. Olatunji Alausa, described the development as a landmark reform aligned with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritises human capital development and technology-driven governance.

“This initiative marks a turning point in our education system. By assigning every learner a unique number, we are building a structure that supports each child’s journey from classroom to career, while ensuring that no one is left behind,” the Minister said.

According to the Director of Press and Public Relations, Federal Ministry of Education, Mrs. Folasade Boriowo, the first phase of the rollout covers more than 1.9 million candidates who registered for the 2026 examinations conducted by the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) and the National Examinations Council (NECO).

Boriowo in a statement on Friday noted that the LIN rollout is a major step toward strengthening examination integrity, curbing impersonation, and improving verification processes across the country.

The unique identification number captures key details such as state of origin, local government area, school identity, and an individual student code.

The system ensures uninterrupted academic records even when students relocate, change schools, or transfer between states.

“The initiative is built on the Digitised National Education Management Information System (DNEMIS), which has created a comprehensive national register of schools.

“Every school in Nigeria has now been assigned a unique ten-digit identification number, providing the backbone for an integrated and reliable national education database.

“Beyond securing examinations, the LIN system will help the government track student progression, identify out-of-school children, monitor dropouts, and address learning gaps, enabling timely and targeted interventions,” the statement added.

Describing the platform as fully digital, publicly accessible, and eco-friendly, the Ministry said the next phase will extend coverage to all learners in public and private schools nationwide.

Boriowo explained further in the statement that implementation would be carried out through existing national data platforms and the Annual School Census to ensure universal coverage.

The Federal Ministry of Education urged parents, schools, examination bodies, and other stakeholders to embrace and support the LIN system, reaffirming its commitment to building a transparent, inclusive, and accountable education system that secures the future of every Nigerian child.
By Clement Idoko
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