The Senate, on Tuesday, urged the federal government to review the implementation of its policy making National Identity Number a prerequisite for the 2021 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) had insisted that the National Identity Number is mandatory for the 2021 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).
Candidates, however, lamented that the National Identity Number requirement have added to their registration predicament as many said they were forced to go through difficulties like extortion, long queues in scorching weather, and other unwholesome practices to enable them register.
The Red Chamber, therefore, asked the Ministry of Education, the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), and the National Identity Management Commission to review the policy with a view to extending the UTME registration deadline and requirements until there is a seamless and well-organised process for obtaining the National Identity Number
The Senate also urged the Federal Ministry of Education and National Identity Management Commission to introduce and streamline a simple and decentralized National Identity Number registration process where students would be able to obtain their NIN in their various accredited school premises. The lawmakers, therefore, urged schools to ensure that National Identity Number was not made compulsory for participation in any exam.