SSCE 2026: NIMC says no NIN, no exam

The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has issued a final advisory to parents and guardians, reiterating that possession of a National Identification Number (NIN) is mandatory for all candidates ahead of the 2026 Senior Secondary Certificate Examinations (SSCE).

In a statement posted on its official X platform on Friday, the commission stressed that the NIN is now a compulsory requirement, describing it as a “critical academic tool” necessary for school registrations, examinations, scholarship applications, and access to other government-related services.

“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.

To ease the registration process and prevent last-minute challenges before examination deadlines, NIMC said it has decentralised enrolment through its newly introduced Ward Enrolment Strategy. The initiative is designed to bring registration centres closer to communities and capture students at the grassroots level.

“And NIMC Ward Enrollment is happening close to you. So locate the closest Ward Enrollment Centre to you and get started,” the advisory added.

The commission also encouraged parents to use its website and toll-free lines to locate the nearest enrolment centre, in line with its “Assured Identity” mandate of providing every Nigerian child with a unique digital identity.

According to the 2026 guidelines, minors — children under 16 — must be accompanied by a parent or guardian who already has a valid NIN. Parents are advised to present original birth certificates or statutory declarations of age at the ward enrolment centres.

NIMC emphasised that registration remains free at all official centres and warned the public against dealing with unauthorised agents.