Kabiru Haruna
The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has begun preparations to commence free registration for pupils and students of public primary, junior, and senior secondary schools in Kano State.
The initiative will result in the issuance of National Identification Numbers (NIN) to the students at no cost.
According to Balarabe Abdullahi, Director of Public Enlightenment at the Kano State Ministry of Education, the exercise is part of efforts to ensure that no student is left behind in meeting the increasing requirement for NIN, particularly for national examinations such as WAEC and NECO.
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He emphasized that the state is fully committed to supporting the successful execution of the registration across all public schools.
During an advocacy visit to the Kano State Ministry of Education, the Regional Coordinator of NIMC, Emmanuela Igbinovia, explained that the project is critical given the growing demand for student NINs for various academic processes.
She said that a team from NIMC is engaging stakeholders to streamline the process and avoid challenges during registration.
Ms. Igbinovia also disclosed that key information, including the names of schools, principals, and their contact details, is required to commence the project.
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She added that NIMC registration forms would be distributed to parents for validation and submission before the official registration date.
Garba Balarabe, the State Coordinator of NIMC, remarked that the initiative will boost Kano’s enrollment figures, which currently trail Lagos by over two million entries. He expressed optimism that with the planned registration, Kano could significantly improve its national standing.
In his response, the State Commissioner for Education, Dr. Ali Haruna Makoda—represented by the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Alhaji Bashir Baffa Muhammad—reiterated the state government’s commitment to ensuring the smooth conduct of the exercise.
He also called on parents and stakeholders to actively participate and support the registration drive for the benefit of their children’s future.