The Senate, on Tuesday, urged the federal government to review the implementation of its policy making National Identity Number (NIN) a prerequisite for the 2021 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) had insisted that the National Identity Number (NIN) is mandatory for the 2021 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).
- NLC president has been declared wanted, says El-Rufai
- Buhari seeks approval for N2.3trn external borrowing
Candidates, however, lamented that the NIN requirement have added to their registration predicament as many said they were forced to go through difficulties like extortion, long queues in scorching weather, and other unwholesome practices to enable them register.
The Red Chamber, therefore, asked the Ministry of Education, the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), and the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) to review the policy with a view to extending the UTME registration deadline and requirements until there is a seamless and well-organised process for obtaining the NIN.
The Senate also urged the Federal Ministry of Education and NIMC to introduce and streamline a simple and decentralised NIN registration process where students would be able to obtain their NIN in their various accredited school premises.
The resolutions were sequel to a motion by Senator Ifeanyi Uba (YPP, Anambra).
Senator Uche Lilian Ekwunife (PDP, Anambra), while supporting the motion, said there was still lack of awareness on NIN at the grassroots, secondary schools and universities, as many students were unaware that the national identification number was a requirement for exam registration.
The lawmaker, therefore, urged schools to ensure that NIN was not made compulsory for participation in any exam.
