The Federal Government has officially introduced the nationwide Learner Identification Number, a digital system designed to give every student in Nigeria a permanent academic identity. This initiative aims to ensure learning continuity, streamline educational planning, and facilitate timely government interventions.

The Honourable Minister of Education, Maruf Tunji Alausa, described the launch as a significant milestone. He noted that the initiative aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritizes technology-driven reforms and human capital development.

The implementation has begun with a significant first phase, where over 1.9 million candidates registered for the 2026 West African Examinations Council and National Examinations Council exams have already been issued Learner Identification Numbers. This move is expected to significantly improve education data management and safeguard the integrity of national examinations.

By linking each learner to a verified identity, the system is designed to enhance examination security, reduce instances of impersonation, identify and track out-of-school children and dropouts, and pinpoint and address specific learning gaps across the country. The Learner Identification Number allows for the seamless tracking of a student's academic progression through all levels of the Nigerian education system. It is fully integrated with the Digitized National Education Management Information System, which serves as the official national register of schools.

The Ministry of Education confirmed plans to expand the system nationwide, covering both public and private institutions. Stakeholders across the sector are urged to support the full implementation to ensure a transparent and inclusive data-driven environment.