The Federal Ministry of Education has pledged to strengthen its partnership with the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) to provide digital identity for about 80 million learners across Nigeria and improve data collection and access to educational services.
The Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, made this known on Thursday in Abuja while receiving the Director-General of NIMC, Bisoye Coker-Odusote, during a stakeholder engagement on the NIMC Act 2026.
Alausa said a credible national identity system is vital for effective governance, quality education, and sustainable economic growth.
He disclosed that the ministry has made significant progress in integrating the National Learners’ Identification Number with the National Identification Number through the Nigeria Education Management Information System.
According to the minister, the initiative will provide credible, biometrically verified education data to support evidence-based policymaking, improve resource allocation, and enhance learning outcomes.
He noted that with about 80 million learners across all levels of education, the sector remains a strategic platform for strengthening Nigeria’s digital identity ecosystem.
Alausa added that the reforms being implemented under President Bola Tinubu’s administration are promoting transparency, improving governance, and driving national development through technology.
He also reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to working closely with NIMC to ensure the effective implementation of the NIMC Act 2026 within the education sector.
Speaking at the event, the Director-General of NIMC, Bisoye Coker-Odusote, said the commission’s nationwide stakeholder engagement was aimed at creating awareness of the provisions of the newly enacted NIMC Act 2026 and strengthening collaboration with ministries, departments, and agencies.
She explained that the Act establishes NIMC as Nigeria’s foundational digital identity authority and provides the legal framework for secure digital governance and trusted electronic transactions.
According to Coker-Odusote, more than 120 million Nigerians have been enrolled in the national identity database.
She added that the commission has also introduced a digital identity application and a free digital identity card for Nigerians.
