Federal Government launches Learner Identification Number to improve education tracking, exam integrity, and national planning systems.
The Federal Government has unveiled a nationwide digital Learner Identification Number (LIN) system designed to assign every student in Nigeria a permanent academic identity to enhance learning continuity, strengthen education planning, and improve intervention strategies across all levels.
The initiative, announced by the Federal Ministry of Education on April 9, 2026, is aimed at transforming the country’s education management structure by linking learners to a unified digital identity system. It also integrates with the Digitized National Education Management Information System (DNEMIS), allowing for improved monitoring of schools and students nationwide.
According to the Ministry, over 1.9 million candidates sitting for the 2026 examinations conducted by the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) and the National Examinations Council (NECO) have already been issued LINs in the first phase of implementation.
The Ministry said the system is designed to provide each learner with a permanent digital record that follows them throughout their academic journey, regardless of school or location.
“The Federal Government has launched the nationwide Learner Identification Number (LIN), a digital system assigning every student a permanent academic identity to support learning continuity, improve planning, and enable timely interventions.”
The Minister of Education, Maruf Tunji Alausa, described the project as a major milestone under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, noting that it reflects the administration’s focus on human capital development and digital reform in education.
“The Honourable Minister of Education, Maruf Tunji Alausa, described the initiative as a transformational milestone aligned with the Renewed Hope Agenda of Bola Ahmed Tinubu, focused on human capital development and technology-driven reforms.”
The Ministry explained that the LIN system will also improve examination security by reducing impersonation and strengthening the credibility of national assessments.
“By linking learners to verified identities, the system enhances examination security, reduces impersonation, and supports tracking of out-of-school children, dropouts, and learning gaps.”
Officials added that the system will make it easier to track student performance over time and identify gaps in learning outcomes, while also improving data accuracy in the education sector.
The Federal Ministry of Education said it will continue expanding the initiative across both public and private schools nationwide and called on relevant stakeholders to support its full implementation.
It reaffirmed its commitment to building a transparent and data-driven education system capable of supporting long-term national development goals.
The statement was issued by Boriowo Folasade, Director of Press and Public Relations, Federal Ministry of Education.
