- The National Identity Management Commission insists that the National Identification Number (NIN) is mandatory for 2026 SSCE registration to avoid examination hitches
- Parents and guardians must accompany minors under 16 with a valid NIN and original birth certificates or age declarations
- The initiative aims to strengthen identity management and streamline access to education and government services
The National Identity Management Commission has issued a final advisory to parents and guardians, reiterating the mandatory requirement of the National Identification Number (NIN) for all candidates.
The commission stated that the measure aims to ensure a smooth registration process for the upcoming 2026 Senior Secondary Certificate Examinations.
The advisory, shared on the commission’s official X platform on Friday, February 27, stressed that the NIN is now more than just an identity tool but a “critical academic tool” required for school registrations, scholarship applications, and other government-linked benefits.
“Dear Nigerian parent, your child needs an NIN. NIN is now important for school registrations, exams, scholarships, and many other government benefits,” the commission stated in its public alert.
To ease access, NIMC has decentralised registration through its newly introduced “Ward Enrollment Strategy,” moving registration points closer to communities so students can be captured at the grassroots level before examination deadlines.
“And NIMSE Word Enrollment is happening close to you. So locate the closest Word Enrollment Centre to you and get started,” the advisory urged.
The commission also introduced digital and telephonic tools to help parents locate nearby enrollment centres.
This initiative falls under the “Assured Identity” mandate, which aims to provide every Nigerian child with a unique digital identity.
“To know the closest Word Enrollment Centre to you, you can check our website www.nimse.gov.ng or you can call the toll-free line on the screen. NIMSE, providing assured identity,” NIMC stated.
Under the 2026 guidelines, minors below 16 years must be accompanied by a parent or guardian who already holds a valid NIN.
Parents are also advised to present original birth certificates or statutory declarations of age at enrollment centres.
NIMC reaffirmed that registration at all official centres remains free of charge and warned the public against engaging unauthorised agents for enrollment services.
This directive underscores the government’s push toward a more digitised and identity-driven education system, ensuring students meet registration requirements without administrative hurdles.