The National Association of Nigerian Students has actually opposed the Federal Government’s strategy to introduce a National Learner Identification Number, arguing that the suggested system would duplicate the existing National Recognition Number released to people.
The students’ body stated its position in a statement launched on Wednesday by its President, Akinteye Afeez, following the announcement of the proposed recognition initiative by the National Orientation Firm.
NANS said it supported efforts by the federal government to develop a trusted and extensive database for Nigeria’s education sector however preserved that there was no need to introduce a different identification number particularly for students.
According to the association, the existing National Recognition Number currently works as the nation’s recognised ways of recognizing residents and need to be used for education-related purposes instead of producing another recognition system.
“There is no reason for imposing another identification number on Nigerian students when the National Recognition Number currently exists as the nationally identified ways of recognition for citizens,” the association said.
NANS urged federal government firms to improve and totally use the current national identity infrastructure rather than present what it described as an extra layer of identification for students.
The Federal government had proposed the Learner Recognition Number as part of larger efforts to improve the management, paperwork and verification of educational records.
Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, stated the initiative was expected to develop dependable identity records from the start of a student’s academic journey and address inconsistencies that could produce difficulties later on in life.
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The proposed system is likewise linked to continuous government efforts to enhance the verification of scholastic qualifications, connect education records with the National Youth Service Corps and suppress certificate-related scams.
However, NANS firmly insisted that trainees need to be involved in the advancement and application of policies that straight affect their scholastic records, identity and welfare.
“Nigerian students are not mere recipients of the education system; we are critical stakeholders in its development and need to be brought along in every policy formula and implementation that directly affects our scholastic lives, identity, records, welfare, and future,” the association mentioned.
The students’ body likewise criticised the National Orientation Firm over its function in the proposed effort.
NANS argued that the agency’s core responsibility was to facilitate communication in between the government and people and promote civic participation, instead of introduce or develop a brand-new identification framework.
“The National Orientation Firm has plainly wandered from and has actually failed in its required,” NANS stated, contacting the agency to recognise the limitations of its duties.
The association consequently called on the Federal government to halt the proposed introduction of the Learner Recognition Number.
It maintained that developing another recognition number for students was unnecessary, given the presence of the National Identification Number as a special means of identifying Nigerians.
The controversy comes as the Federal Government intensifies efforts to digitise education records and enhance the authentication of academic certifications throughout the nation.
The Ministry of Education has actually announced initiatives including the Nigerian Education Repository Data Bank, which is anticipated to support the collection and verification of university certificates.
The federal government is likewise developing the Nigerian Education Data Facilities to connect records throughout various phases of a student’s scholastic journey.
In addition, efforts are underway to incorporate verified educational records into the National Youth Service Corps mobilisation procedure, with prospective corps members expected to present confirmed scholastic certifications before registering for national service.
NANS stated it would continue to secure the interests of Nigerian students and oppose policies it considers unneeded or likely to put additional burdens on students.