From Victor Osula, Abuja
The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has declared that the National Identification Number (NIN) is now mandatory for all school-related activities, including exams, scholarship applications, and access to government benefits.
In a statement published on its official X platform on Friday, NIMC described the NIN as a “critical academic tool” rather than a mere convenience.
It urged parents to ensure their children possess a valid NIN ahead of the 2026 Senior Secondary Certificate Examinations (SSCE).
“Dear Nigerian parent, your child needs an NIN. NIN is now important for school registrations, exams, scholarships, and many other government benefits,” the commission said.
To ease access, NIMC has rolled out its “Ward Enrolment Strategy,” decentralising registration to bring enrollment centers closer to communities.
Parents and guardians were encouraged to locate the nearest ward center to avoid delays before exam registration deadlines.
Phone and online resources have been provided to help parents identify official centers.
Under the commission’s “Assured Identity” mandate, every child in Nigeria will have a unique digital identity.
Children under 16 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian for registration, and original birth certificates or legally recognized declarations of age are advised.
NIMC reiterated that registration is free at all official locations and warned the public against engaging unlicensed agents.
