Nigeria Learner Identification Number system launches nationwide as FG issues digital IDs to 1.9 million WAEC and NECO candidates for education reform
The Federal Ministry of Education has launched a nationwide digital learner identification framework in collaboration with the West African Examinations Council and the National Examinations Council, issuing digital identity numbers to more than 1.9 million candidates registered for the 2026 examinations.
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The Nigeria Learner Identification Number system marks a major policy shift aimed at strengthening education data management, improving academic tracking, and enhancing national planning across all levels of learning.
Minister of Education, Maruf Alausa, described the initiative as a transformative step in modernising Nigeria’s education sector under the Renewed Hope Agenda, which focuses on human capital development and digital governance.
According to the ministry, the Nigeria Learner Identification Number system assigns each student a permanent digital identity linked to structured data, including state, local government area, school, and a unique personal identifier.
Officials said the system will help maintain consistent academic records even when students change schools or relocate, while also strengthening the integrity of public examinations nationwide.
The ministry confirmed that over 1.9 million candidates already registered for WAEC and NECO 2026 examinations have been captured in the first phase of the rollout, describing it as a significant milestone in national education reform.
The Federal Ministry of Education stated that the platform is integrated into the Digitised National Education Management Information System, which assigns unique identification codes to schools across the country.
Authorities added that linking learners to verified institutional records will reduce impersonation in examinations, improve verification processes, and support more reliable assessment outcomes.
Beyond examinations, the system is expected to identify out of school children, track student progression, and provide early warning signals for dropouts, enabling targeted government intervention.
The ministry further disclosed that the next phase will expand coverage to all learners in public and private schools nationwide through the Annual School Census and national education databases.
Stakeholders, including schools, parents, and examination bodies, have been urged to support full compliance as the Nigeria Learner Identification Number system becomes fully operational across the country.
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The government described the initiative as a power driven shift towards a fully digital education ecosystem designed to ensure no learner is left behind.
David Okere is a journalist and contributor to Freelanews.com, covering business, governance, public affairs, and human-interest stories with a commitment to accuracy, balance, and public interest reporting.
