NANS issues a seven-day ultimatum to FG and ASUU to resolve disputes and avert a looming strike, urging President Tinubu’s urgent intervention in the crisis.
The National Association of Nigerian Students, NANS, has rejected the Federal Government’s proposed Learner Identification Number, describing it as an unnecessary duplication of the National Identification Number.
NANS President, Akinteye Afeez, stated this in a statement on Wednesday in response to the announcement of the proposed system by the National Orientation Agency.
The students’ body said it supports efforts to build an accurate database for the education sector but opposed the creation of a separate identification number for learners.
NANS said the existing National Identification Number already provides a nationally recognised means of identifying Nigerians.
It urges the government to strengthen and maximise the existing identification system rather than create another layer of identification for students.
The Federal Government proposed the Learner Identification Number as part of efforts to improve the management and verification of education records.
Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, said the system would establish accurate identity records from the beginning of a learner’s education and help reduce discrepancies that could affect graduates.
The initiative is also linked to efforts to connect education records with the National Youth Service Corps and tackle certificate fraud.
NANS, however, said students must be consulted before policies affecting their academic records, identity and welfare are introduced.
The association also accused the National Orientation Agency of exceeding its mandate by introducing the identification system.
NANS urged the Federal Government to suspend the introduction and implementation of the proposed Learner Identification Number.
It says it would continue to oppose policies it considers unnecessary or burdensome to Nigerian students.
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