The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), on Thursday, January 9; came under severe criticism by a Twitter user, after the presence of an extortion racket at the commission’s Ibeju-Lekki office was revealed.
The user explained via her Twitter handle how NIMC officials collect N5000 from UTME applicants before registration for the National Identification Number (NIN).
A statement released in 2019 by the commission and the Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB); announced that the NIN is a compulsory requirement for all applicants.
Equally important, the NIMC DG, Aliyu Aziz; explained that the enforcement of the mandatory use of the NIN is congruent with the NIMC Act of 2007.
However, the tweet by @tiwuoluwanisola exposed how officials are transgressing the mandate laid by the NIMC which clearly states that registration is free.
Aziz in his remarks said the new policy forms part of the ongoing efforts aimed at curbing all unwholesome acts as well as infractions; that have characterized UTME/DE exams at the point of registration; examination and admission of applicants over the years.
He said, “UTME/DE applicants are to be accorded special consideration in line; with established Standard of the Enrolment processes that include capturing of the biometric and demographic data of any applicant; before the issuance of the NIN and verifying the applicants at the point of UTME/DE registration.”
He then advised that parents/guardians should also guide their wards in carefully filling the enrolment forms; to ensure names are arranged properly and the correct date of birth is registered.
“Where an applicant is below 16 years; such applicant(s) would be required to provide the NIN of his/her Parent or Guardian; they must confirm that all information supplied to the enrolment officer on the applicant’s monitor in front of them at the point of registration is correct,” he emphasized.
The NIMC DG further enjoined all school Authorities and local education Secretaries to inform and educate parents and students; on the importance of registering for the NIN; to enable students and applicants sit for the 2020 UTME/DE registration commencing in January 2020.
