BREAKING: NIMC maintains “no NIN, no exam” policy for SSCE 2026
The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has reiterated its strict stance that candidates must possess a valid National Identification Number (NIN) to sit for the Senior Secondary Certificate Examination (SSCE) 2026.
In a statement issued on Friday, February 27, 2026, NIMC warned that students without a NIN will be barred from taking the examinations, reinforcing its earlier directive linking national identity registration with eligibility for public exams.
The commission said the policy aims to ensure the integrity of the examination process, improve identity verification, and combat impersonation and fraud in the education system. NIMC further clarified that all candidates are expected to link their NIN with their SSCE registration details before the exam commencement.
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Parents and students who have yet to obtain or link their NINs were urged to visit any NIMC enrollment centre nationwide to complete the process ahead of scheduled examination dates.
Education stakeholders have expressed mixed reactions, with some supporting the enforcement as a measure to strengthen national identity systems, while others have raised concerns over the readiness and accessibility of NIN enrolment services, especially in rural areas.
The SSCE, conducted by awarding bodies such as the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) and National Examinations Council (NECO), is a critical qualification for entry into tertiary institutions and vocational programmes across Nigeria.
NIMC said enforcement of the “No NIN, No Exam” directive will be strictly applied to all SSCE candidates in 2026.
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