The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has called on the Federal Government to stop the planned rollout of the National Learner Identification Number (LIN).
The student body insisted that the existing National Identification Number (NIN) is enough for Nigerian students.
In a statement signed by its President, Akinteye Babatunde Afeez, the student body described the proposed learner identification number as an unnecessary duplication of Nigeria’s existing identification system.
NANS argued that there was no need to introduce another identification number when students already have the NIN, which is recognised as the country’s official means of identification.
“There is no justification for imposing another identification number on Nigerian students when the National Identification Number (NIN) already exists as the nationally recognised means of identification for citizens,” the association said.
“The government should strengthen and maximise the existing National Identification Number system instead of creating a parallel identification structure,” NANS said.
“Students were not consulted before the policy was introduced, even though it directly affects our education, identity, academic records and welfare,” the association added.
The association said any policy affecting students should not be introduced without their involvement or consultation.
It stressed that students should be involved in decisions affecting their education, identity, academic records and welfare.
The association also faulted the National Orientation Agency (NOA), accusing it of going beyond its responsibilities by promoting the proposed policy.
According to NANS, the agency should focus on improving communication between the government and citizens rather than pushing policies that place additional pressure on students.
NANS maintained that the issue was not only about introducing another identification number but also about ensuring that policies affecting millions of students are developed through proper consultation.
“We call on the Federal Government to immediately halt the introduction and implementation of the National Learner Identification Number, engage student representatives and strengthen existing national systems instead of creating new ones,” the association said.
Recall that in April 2026, the Federal Government formally launched the nationwide LIN system.
Stop learner ID rollout, NIN enough – NANS tells Nigerian govt