The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Students Engagement, Sunday Asefon has demanded the integration of the National Identification Number (NIN) with student Identity cards for multipurpose use, including provision of accurate data on Nigerian students.
He made the demand during a working visit to the Office of the Director – General of the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) to discuss the strategic initiative.
Asefon, in a statement during the weekend, said the visit was to explore ways of integrating the National Identification Number (NIN) with student ID cards for multipurpose use.
The statement reads: “Our primary objective is to ensure that all students across all educational levels are registered and have access to digital identification.”
He added the initiative would also provide accurate data on Nigerian students, supporting data-driven policymaking and enabling informed decisions in the education sector.
He added: “A key component of this initiative is linking NIN to opportunities such as internships, skills acquisition programmes, and job placements. This integration will not only empower students but also enhance their access to critical developmental opportunities.
“The Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Student Engagement is fully committed to collaborating with NIMC to increase awareness on campuses and in secondary schools.
“Our aim is to ensure that students obtain their NINs, not just for exam registration, but also to prevent identity fraud and secure their personal information.”
The Director -General of NIMC, Abisoye Coker-Odusote, expressed readiness to partner with our office, the Federal Ministry of Youth Development, and the Ministry of Education.
She emphasised that NIMC is already working on increasing awareness across campuses and highlighted her significant achievements in transforming the commission within the short time of her assumption of office.
“This collaboration reflects the forward-thinking vision of the administration of President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which continues to deliver impactful initiatives, skill acquisition programs, and timely responses to the needs of Nigerians at all levels,” she added.
