NIN now mandatory for all 2026 SSCE candidates, NIMC warns

The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has issued a final advisory to parents and guardians, emphasizing that the National Identification Number (NIN) is mandatory for all candidates.

This directive is part of the commission’s effort to ensure a smooth and seamless process during the upcoming 2026 Senior Secondary Certificate Examinations (SSCE).

The advisory, posted on the commission’s official X platform on Friday, emphasised that the NIN is no longer just a luxury but a “critical academic tool” required for school registrations, scholarship applications, and other government-linked benefits.

“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 in its public alert.

To eliminate the burden of long-distance travel, NIMC has decentralised its operations through the newly launched “Ward Enrollment Strategy.”

The commission revealed that registration points have been moved closer to communities to capture students at the grassroots level before the examination registration deadlines.

“And NIMSE Word Enrollment is happening close to you. So locate the closest Word Enrollment Centre to you and get started,” the advisory urged.

Recognising the urgency, NIMC has provided digital and telephonic tools to help parents find their nearest center without hassle.

This is part of the “Assured Identity” mandate aimed at providing every Nigerian child with a unique digital footprint.

“To know the closest Word Enrollment Centre to you, you can check our website www.nimse.gov.ng or you can call the toll-free line on the screen. NIMSE, providing assured identity”, the NIMC added.

According to the commission’s guidelines for 2026, minors (children under 16) must be accompanied by a parent or guardian who already possesses a valid NIN.

Parents are encouraged to bring original birth certificates or statutory declarations of age to the ward centers.

The commission further clarified that the process remains free of charge at all official centres, warning the public against patronising unauthorised agents.