The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has commenced arrangements for the free registration of pupils and students in public primary, junior, and secondary schools across Kano State.
The registration exercise targets learners in public schools, who will be issued National Identification Numbers (NIN) upon completion of the process.
This is in a Press statement by Balarabe Abdullahi, Director, Public Enlightenment, Kano State Ministry of Education on Tuesday.
During a stakeholder briefing at the Kano State Ministry of Education, NIMC’s North-West Regional Coordinator, Emmanuela Igbinovia, explained that the initiative is vital due to the growing demand for NINs by examination bodies like WAEC and NECO.
Schools to provide data for smooth rollout
Igbinovia said NIMC is collaborating with relevant stakeholders to ensure a smooth exercise and has requested data such as school names, principals’ names, and their contact numbers to kick-start the process.
She also noted that NIMC registration forms will be sent to parents via the schools. These forms must be filled, verified, and returned before the actual registration date is announced.
“A specific day will be announced for the registration and biometric capturing exercise. Another date will be reserved for printing and issuing NIN slips to all registered pupils and students,” she said.
Speaking at the event, Kano State NIMC Coordinator, Garba Balarabe, stated that the project will improve the state’s NIN enrollment statistics and ensure quick access to identification for students.
He added that Lagos State currently leads in enrollment with over 2.2 million registered individuals and expressed optimism that Kano could bridge the gap with this initiative.
In response, the Kano State Commissioner of Education, Dr. Ali Haruna Makoda—represented by the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Alhaji Bashir Baffa Muhammed—pledged the government’s support to NIMC’s effort.
He urged parents and education stakeholders to work collectively to ensure all eligible students are properly registered.
