According to a statement posted on the commission’s official X account on Friday, the NIN is now a “critical academic tool,” necessary not only for school registrations but also for scholarship applications and access to 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 advisory read.
Decentralized Registration for Convenience
To reduce long-distance travel and improve accessibility, NIMC has rolled out a “Ward Enrollment Strategy,” bringing registration points closer to communities. The initiative ensures that students can obtain their NIN at the grassroots level well ahead of exam registration deadlines.
Parents and guardians can locate the nearest Ward Enrollment Centre through the NIMC website or via a toll-free line, making the process more convenient and efficient.
Guidelines for Minors
Children under 16 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian who already holds a valid NIN. Parents are also required to present original birth certificates or statutory declarations of age during registration.
The commission reiterated that registration at official centers is free and cautioned against using unauthorized agents, emphasizing that the process is part of NIMC’s “Assured Identity” mandate to provide every Nigerian child with a unique digital footprint.
By enforcing the NIN requirement, NIMC aims to streamline examination registration, enhance student identification, and integrate academic records into the broader national digital identity ecosystem.