FG Launches First-Ever Nationwide Learner Identification Number in the Education System

The Federal Government has officially launched the nationwide Learner Identification Number (LIN), a landmark digital system designed to assign 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, characterized the launch as a transformational 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 commenced with a significant first phase, where over 1.9 million candidates registered for the 2026 West African Examinations Council (WAEC) and National Examinations Council (NECO) exams have already been issued LINs. This move is expected to significantly bolster education data management and safeguard the integrity of national examinations.

By linking each learner to a verified identity, the LIN system is built to:

• Enhance examination security.
• Drastically reduce instances of impersonation.
• Identify and track out-of-school children and dropouts.
• Pinpoint and address specific learning gaps across the country.

The LIN 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 (DNEMIS), which serves as the official national register of schools.

The Ministry of Education confirmed plans to expand the LIN 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.

Signed:

Boriowo Folasade
Director, Press and Public Relations
Federal Ministry of Education