The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has insisted that all candidates preparing for the 2026 Senior Secondary Certificate Examinations (SSCE) must possess a valid National Identification Number (NIN) or risk being unable to complete their registration.
In a public advisory issued via its official X platform, the commission reiterated that the NIN is now a compulsory requirement for examination registration, describing it as a critical academic tool for students across the country.
“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.
To prevent last-minute bottlenecks ahead of the 2026 SSCE registration period, NIMC announced the rollout of its Ward Enrollment Strategy, designed to bring registration services closer to communities.
Under the initiative, enrollment centres have been decentralised to the ward level to ensure students at the grassroots can obtain their NIN without travelling long distances.
The commission urged parents and guardians to locate the nearest ward enrollment centre and complete the process early to avoid disruptions.
NIMC advised parents to check its official website or contact its toll-free line to identify the closest enrollment centre.
The commission said the strategy forms part of its “Assured Identity” mandate, aimed at providing every Nigerian child with a unique and verifiable digital identity.
Guidelines for Minors
According to NIMC guidelines for 2026, children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian who already has a valid NIN.
Parents are also required to present original birth certificates or statutory declarations of age at the enrollment centres.
The commission emphasised that registration remains free at all official centres and warned the public against patronising unauthorised agents.
With preparations for SSCE 2026 underway, NIMC advised parents to act promptly to ensure their children meet the mandatory NIN requirement and avoid complications during examination registration.