The Federal Government has revealed that the proposed National Learner Identity Number (NLIN) will serve as a major tool in tackling examination malpractice, especially the activities of illegal “miracle centres,” while also helping authorities monitor students’ educational progress across Nigeria.
Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, made this known on Thursday in Abuja during the National Stakeholders Meeting on the Nigeria Education Data Infrastructure (NEDI), themed “Transforming Education Through Data.”
According to the minister, the NLIN forms an important part of the NEDI initiative, which is aimed at improving data-driven decision-making within the education sector and creating a reliable system for tracking learners from admission to graduation and eventually into the workforce.
Alausa explained that the identity system would allow the government to effectively monitor students’ movement and academic performance across the country, even when families relocate from one state to another. He added that the system would also help prevent cases where students skip educational stages without proper records.
He stated that the NLIN would provide government agencies with access to information about where a child attends school, their learning progress, and how to ensure continuity in their education regardless of changes in location.
The minister further noted that the initiative would contribute significantly to reducing examination malpractice by addressing the operations of unauthorized examination centres, adding that reforms already introduced in the education sector were beginning to produce positive results.
Speaking further, Alausa disclosed that the system would also support post-graduation planning by enabling authorities to identify students’ academic backgrounds and connect them with employment opportunities.
He added that entrepreneurship education was gradually being integrated into the nation’s learning system to equip students with practical skills for economic growth and national development.
Describing NEDI as a transformative initiative, the minister said it would reposition Nigeria’s education sector through the use of credible and accurate data.
Also speaking at the event, Peter Mbah, represented by his deputy, Ifeanyi Ossai, praised the initiative and urged stakeholders responsible for data collection to ensure credibility and accuracy to support effective policy formulation and implementation at all levels of government.
He also commended the Federal Government for its support to educational institutions through agencies such as Universal Basic Education Commission and Tertiary Education Trust Fund.
Meanwhile, the Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, described education as a critical foundation for national growth, social progress, and family wellbeing.
She said access to reliable educational data would improve government interventions in areas such as child protection, girls’ education, social inclusion, family development, and support for vulnerable populations.
According to her, accurate educational records would help the government identify gaps, distribute resources fairly, strengthen policy implementation, and ensure that every child has access to quality education.
Sulaiman-Ibrahim also stressed that educating girls has consistently been associated with better family health, improved economic opportunities, reduced vulnerability, and long-term national stability.
She added that strengthening educational data systems has become increasingly important in addressing issues such as out-of-school children, inequality, and poor access to education in underserved communities.
The minister further stated that the NEDI initiative aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of Bola Ahmed Tinubu, particularly in the areas of human capital development and social investment.
Also at the meeting, the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, highlighted the importance of data in addressing institutional challenges.
He explained that data-driven approaches had helped the Ministry of Interior significantly reduce repeat offences in correctional centres, adding that evidence-based strategies had made it easier to identify societal problems and implement effective solutions.
Tunji-Ojo described education as the backbone of national development and called for collective support for the NEDI initiative, saying it would contribute to building a stronger and more progressive Nigeria.
