Abuja: The Federal Ministry of Education has pledged to deepen ties with the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) to provide digital identity to 80 million learners, improve data capture, and enhance access to education services. The Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, highlighted this commitment during a stakeholder engagement on the NIMC Act 2026 in Abuja, where he hosted the Director-General of NIMC, Bisoye Coker-Odusote.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Dr. Alausa emphasized the importance of a credible national identity system for effective governance, quality education, and sustainable economic growth. He noted that the ministry had made significant strides in integrating the National Learners’ Identification Number (LIN) with the National Identification Number (NIN) through the Nigeria Education Management Information System (NEMIS).
The initiative, as explained by Alausa, aims to provide credible and biometrically verified education data to support evidence-based policymaking, better resource allocation, and improved learning outcomes. He stressed that the education sector, with approximately 80 million learners at various levels, offers a strategic platform for strengthening Nigeria’s digital identity ecosystem.
Alausa further noted that the reforms being implemented by President Bola Tinubu’s administration are promoting transparency, improving governance, and supporting national development through technology. He reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to collaborating closely with NIMC to ensure the effective implementation of the Act within the education sector.
Earlier, Bisoye Coker-Odusote of NIMC highlighted that the Commission’s nationwide engagement is aimed at raising awareness about the provisions of the newly enacted NIMC Act, 2026, and enhancing collaboration with various Ministries, Departments, and Agencies. She stated that the Act positions NIMC as Nigeria’s foundational digital identity authority and provides the legal framework for secure digital governance and trusted electronic transactions.
Coker-Odusote also mentioned that over 120 million Nigerians have been enrolled in the national identity database, and the Commission has introduced a digital identity application along with a free digital identity card for Nigerians.
Additionally, Dr. Alva Ikoku, Head of Strategy and Programme Office at NIMC, stated that the Act would bolster digital service delivery, including student enrolment, scholarship administration, examination management, and certificate authentication. He added that the new legal framework would help reduce fraud, improve data integrity, and support the country’s digital economy agenda.