The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has rejected the proposed introduction of the National Learner Identification Number (LIN), describing it as unnecessary and calling on the Federal Government to immediately halt its introduction and implementation.

NANS, in a statement signed by its President, Babatunde Afeez Akinteye, said the proposed learner identification system amounted to a duplication of the existing National Identification Number (NIN), which it described as the nationally recognised means of identification for Nigerian citizens.

The students’ body also condemned the National Orientation Agency (NOA) for what it described as an overreach of its mandate, insisting that policies with far-reaching implications for students should not be introduced without consulting their representatives.

While acknowledging the importance of an accurate database in the education sector, NANS argued that there was no justification for creating another identification number specifically for learners when students already possess NIN.

The association said government agencies should instead strengthen and maximise the existing national identification system where necessary rather than create another identification framework.

“Nigerian students are not mere beneficiaries of the education system; we are critical stakeholders in its development and must be carried along in every policy formulation and implementation that directly affects our academic lives, identity, records, welfare, and future,” the statement said.

NANS also faulted NOA over its role in the proposed initiative, accusing the agency of drifting from its statutory mandate.

It said NOA was established to promote effective communication between government and citizens, provide feedback and encourage citizens’ participation in matters affecting their welfare, rather than impose a new identification system on students.

According to the association, NOA should “return to the core responsibility for which it was established and desist from overreaching its mandate.”

It therefore called on the Federal Government to immediately halt the introduction and further implementation of the LIN, stressing that students must be consulted on policies directly affecting them.

The association said it would continue to defend the interests, rights and welfare of Nigerian students and oppose policies it considered unnecessary or burdensome.