FG introduces Unique Examination Learners Identity Number

The Federal Ministry of Education has announced the introduction of a unique Examination Learners’ Identity Number (ELIN) for all candidates participating in national examinations as part of a comprehensive reform agenda aimed at eliminating examination malpractice in the 2026 examinations and beyond.

The initiative will apply to candidates of the West African Examinations Council (WAEC), the National Examinations Council (NECO), and other recognised examination bodies.

The Minister of Education, Dr Maruf Tunji Alausa, made the disclosure alongside the Minister of State for Education, Professor Suwaiba Said Ahmed, in a statement signed by Boriowo Folasade, the Director, Press and Public Relations.

They noted that the new identity number represents a major step toward strengthening the credibility, transparency, and integrity of Nigeria’s assessment system.

According to the ministers, the ELIN will enable effective tracking of candidates throughout the examination lifecycle, enhance monitoring and accountability, and support long-term reforms in examination administration, certification, and education data management.

The introduction of the Examination Learners’ Identity Number forms part of a broader set of targeted measures being deployed by the Ministry to safeguard the integrity of national examinations.

These include enhanced question randomisation and serialisation mechanisms, under which all candidates will answer the same questions but in different sequences, ensuring that each candidate sits for a uniquely arranged version of the examination and significantly reducing opportunities for collusion.

The ministry also reaffirmed its strict prohibition of candidate transfers at the Senior Secondary School Three (SS3) level. The policy, already communicated through an official circular, will be rigorously enforced to curb last-minute school changes that are often linked to examination malpractice.

In addition, the Federal Ministry of Education has developed new national Continuous Assessment (CA) guidelines for immediate implementation.

All examination bodies, including WAEC, NECO, and NBAIS, are required to adhere strictly to standardized submission timelines: January for First Term CA, April for Second Term CA, and August for Third Term CA. These mandatory timelines are designed to promote uniformity, ensure data integrity, and facilitate timely processing of Continuous Assessment records nationwide.

The ministers assured stakeholders that examination administration would be conducted under strengthened supervision and closer coordination with examination bodies to ensure full compliance with established guidelines and ethical standards.

They emphasized that the introduction of the Examination Learners’ Identity Number, alongside other reforms, reflects the Federal Government’s firm resolve to deliver examinations that are credible, fair, and aligned with global best practices, while addressing Nigeria’s unique educational context.

The Federal Ministry of Education reaffirmed its commitment to working collaboratively with examination bodies, state governments, school administrators, parents, and candidates to ensure the successful implementation of these measures and the smooth conduct of the 2026 examinations across the country.

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