FG, NIMC partner to integrate learners into digital identity system

The Federal Ministry of Education has announced plans to deepen collaboration with the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) to integrate about 80 million learners across Nigeria’s education system into the country’s trusted digital identity ecosystem.

Minister of Education, Dr Maruf Olatunji Alausa, disclosed this when he received the Director-General of NIMC, Engr. Bisoye Coker-Odusote, and her management team in Abuja during a stakeholder engagement on the newly enacted National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) Act, 2026.

Alausa said the education sector would play a critical role in driving Nigeria’s digital transformation, noting that a reliable identity management system is essential for effective education planning, improved service delivery and sustainable national development.

According to him, the integration of the National Learners’ Identification Number (LIN) with the National Identification Number (NIN) through the Nigeria Education Management Information System (NEMIS) is already providing credible and biometrically verified education data to support evidence-based policymaking, resource allocation and targeted interventions.

He explained that, with approximately 80 million learners across Early Childhood Care Development and Education (ECCDE), primary, secondary, technical, vocational and tertiary institutions, the education sector represents one of the largest platforms for strengthening Nigeria’s digital identity infrastructure.

The minister said the initiative aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritises technology, innovation and institutional reforms as tools for improving governance and accelerating economic growth.

He added that the administration’s focus on building a one-trillion-dollar economy requires a skilled workforce supported by quality education, reliable data systems and modern digital infrastructure.

Alausa commended NIMC for repositioning Nigeria’s identity management framework to meet global standards, describing the newly enacted NIMC Act as a major milestone in establishing a trusted digital ecosystem that will improve access to public services and strengthen institutional efficiency.

Earlier, the NIMC Director-General, Engr. Bisoye Coker-Odusote, said the commission’s engagement with ministries, departments and agencies was aimed at creating awareness of the reforms introduced by the NIMC Act, 2026, and strengthening collaboration for its implementation.

She stated that NIMC has enrolled more than 120 million Nigerians in the national identity database and has expanded its verification services across government institutions, financial organisations and telecommunications operators.

Coker-Odusote explained that the new Act establishes NIMC as Nigeria’s foundational digital identity authority and provides the legal framework for Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) and Public Key Infrastructure (PKI), which are critical to secure digital governance and electronic transactions.

She also highlighted the introduction of the NIMC Authentication App and a free Digital ID Card for Nigerians as part of efforts to improve citizens’ access to trusted digital identity services.

The Head of Strategy and Programme Office at NIMC, Dr Alva Nkoku, said the new legislation moves Nigeria beyond conventional identity management to a comprehensive digital trust framework that supports secure authentication, digital signatures, trusted electronic credentials and paperless public administration.

He noted that the framework would enhance education services through secure student enrolment, scholarship management, examination administration, certificate verification and improved data integrity while reducing fraud within the system.

Coker-Odusote praised the Ministry of Education’s ongoing reforms and reaffirmed NIMC’s commitment to supporting the sector in harnessing digital identity solutions to improve education delivery.

Alausa assured the commission of the ministry’s continued partnership, stressing that the integration of trusted digital identity into education would promote transparency, strengthen planning and advance the Federal Government’s digital transformation agenda.