FG Unveils Learner ID Plan to Track Pupils From Primary to Junior Secondary

By George Omagbemi Sylvester

The Federal Government of Nigeria is set to introduce a Learner Identification Number (LIN) to track pupils from primary school to junior secondary level, in what officials describe as a major step to curb school dropouts and strengthen education planning. The policy was disclosed in Lagos on Friday, March 20, 2026, by Education Minister Dr. Tunji Alausa during an interactive session with journalists.

The plan is designed to give every child a unique number that follows them through school, even if they transfer. According to the minister, the system became necessary after government data showed a sharp collapse in progression from public primary schools to junior secondary schools. He said Nigeria has over 50,000 public primary schools and more than 23 million pupils, yet only a little over 3 million move into public junior secondary schools, raising urgent questions about where millions of children disappear to.

Beyond tracking movement, the reform is expected to improve transparency, planning, and intervention. It signals a shift toward a more data-driven education system where children are less likely to vanish unnoticed between stages of schooling.