By Gabriel Ameh
📍Abuja | Media Report
The Federal Government has launched a nationwide Learner Identification Number (LIN), a digital system designed to assign every student a permanent academic identity and transform Nigeria’s education system.
The initiative, introduced by the Federal Ministry of Education Nigeria, aims to support learning continuity, improve education planning, and ensure that every Nigerian child has access to quality education.
Speaking on the development, the Minister of Education, Maruf Tunji Alausa, described the programme as a major milestone aligned with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“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 academic journey while ensuring that no one is left behind,” he said.
In its first phase, more than 1.9 million candidates registered for the 2026 examinations conducted by West African Examinations Council and National Examinations Council have already been issued their Learner Identification Numbers.
The LIN provides each learner with a permanent and traceable education identity, enabling seamless tracking of academic progress across all levels. The system captures key details such as state, local government area, school, and a unique student code, ensuring continuity even when students transfer between schools.
The initiative builds on the Digitized National Education Management Information System (DNEMIS), which has created a comprehensive national database of schools. Each school in Nigeria has been assigned a unique identification number, forming the backbone of a unified education data system.
By linking learners to verified identities and registered schools, the platform is expected to strengthen examination processes, reduce impersonation, and enhance the credibility of public examinations.
Beyond exam integrity, the system will help government track out-of-school children, monitor student progression, identify dropouts, and address learning gaps through targeted interventions.
The Ministry noted that the next phase will expand the system to cover all learners in both public and private schools nationwide, leveraging national data platforms and the Annual School Census.
Stakeholders including schools, parents, and examination bodies have been urged to support the initiative to ensure its successful implementation.
The government reaffirmed its commitment to using technology and data-driven solutions to build a transparent, inclusive, and efficient education system for Nigeria’s future.
