The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening collaboration with the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) to provide digital identity for about 80 million learners across Nigeria, as part of efforts to improve access to education services and enhance data-driven planning.
Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, gave the assurance on Thursday in Abuja while receiving the Director-General of NIMC, Engr. Bisoye Coker-Odusote, during a stakeholder engagement on the newly enacted NIMC Act, 2026.
Alausa described a credible national identity system as essential for effective governance, quality education and sustainable economic development, noting that the education sector plays a strategic role in expanding Nigeria’s digital identity ecosystem.
He said the Ministry had 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).
According to the Minister, the integration will provide credible, biometrically verified education data to support evidence-based policymaking, improve resource allocation and enhance learning outcomes across the country.
He noted that with an estimated 80 million learners at all levels of education, the sector presents a unique opportunity to accelerate digital identity enrolment while strengthening national planning and service delivery.
Alausa also highlighted ongoing reforms under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, saying they are promoting transparency, improving governance and leveraging technology to drive national development.
He reaffirmed the Ministry’s readiness to work closely with NIMC to ensure the successful implementation of the NIMC Act, 2026, across the education sector.
Earlier, the Director-General of NIMC, Engr. Bisoye Coker-Odusote, said the Commission’s nationwide stakeholder engagement was aimed at creating awareness of the provisions of the NIMC Act, 2026, while fostering stronger collaboration with Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs).
She explained that the new Act establishes NIMC as Nigeria’s foundational digital identity authority, providing the legal framework for secure digital governance and trusted electronic transactions.
According to Coker-Odusote, the legislation will strengthen data integrity, curb identity-related fraud and support the Federal Government’s drive toward building a robust digital economy.
