The Federal Ministry of Education has reaffirmed its commitment to partnering with the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) to strengthen digital identity systems, improve education planning and support Nigeria’s digital transformation agenda.
Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Olatunji Alausa, made the commitment during a stakeholder engagement and public enlightenment programme on the newly enacted National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) Act, 2026.
According to the minister, the education sector will play a central role in building a trusted digital future for Nigeria, stressing that a reliable national identity system is essential for effective governance, quality education and sustainable economic development.
Linking Learners’ Identity with National Database
Dr. Alausa disclosed that the ministry has made significant progress in integrating the National Learners’ Identification Number (LIN) with the National Identification Number (NIN) through the Nigeria Education Management Information System (NEMIS).
He explained that the integration is creating a credible, biometrically verified education database that will support evidence-based policymaking, efficient resource allocation, targeted interventions and improved learning outcomes across the country.
The minister noted that with an estimated 80 million learners across all levels of education, the sector provides one of the largest platforms for expanding Nigeria’s trusted digital identity ecosystem.
Supporting the Renewed Hope Agenda
Dr. Alausa said the ongoing reforms under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration are transforming key sectors through innovation, technology and stronger institutions.
He emphasized that education remains at the heart of the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda, as it is critical to developing the skilled workforce and human capital needed to achieve Nigeria’s ambition of becoming a US$1 trillion economy.
According to the minister, President Tinubu’s belief that technology is one of the most effective tools for combating corruption is already improving governance through transparent, efficient and secure digital systems.
He added that the Federal Ministry of Education has continued to benefit from the President’s strong policy direction and support, enabling the ministry to implement one of the most ambitious education reform programmes in recent years.
New NIMC Act to Strengthen Digital Governance
Commending the leadership of NIMC, Dr. Alausa praised the commission for modernising Nigeria’s identity management system to meet international standards.
He described the NIMC Act 2026 as a landmark legislation that will strengthen public institutions, improve service delivery and expand citizens’ access to government services through a trusted digital ecosystem.
NIMC Highlights Key Reforms
Speaking at the event, Director-General of NIMC, Bisoye Coker-Odusote, said the commission’s nationwide engagement with Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) aims to create awareness of the reforms introduced by the new Act while promoting stronger institutional collaboration.
She explained that the legislation establishes NIMC as Nigeria’s foundational digital identity authority and provides the legal framework for Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) and Public Key Infrastructure (PKI), both of which are essential for secure digital governance and trusted electronic transactions.
Coker-Odusote further disclosed that the commission has enrolled more than 120 million Nigerians into the national identity database. She added that NIMC has expanded integration with government agencies, financial institutions and telecommunications operators, while also introducing the NIMC Authentication App and a free Digital ID Card to improve identity verification and access to digital services nationwide.
