The National Identity Management Commission has declared that no candidate will write the 2026 Senior Secondary Certificate Examinations without a National Identification Number, issuing a final advisory to parents and guardians on Friday.

The commission posted the warning on its official X platform, describing the NIN as no longer optional but a "critical academic tool" required for school registrations, scholarship applications, and other government linked benefits.

"Dear Nigerian parent, your child needs an NIN. NIN is now important for school registrations, exams, scholarships, and many other government benefits," the commission stated in its public alert.

NIMC has launched the "Ward Enrollment Strategy" to eliminate the burden of long distance travel, moving registration points closer to communities to capture students at the grassroots level before examination registration deadlines.

"NIMC Ward Enrollment is happening close to you. So locate the closest Word Enrollment Centre to you and get started," the advisory urged.

The commission provided digital and telephonic tools to help parents find their nearest centre without hassle, positioning it as part of the "Assured Identity" mandate aimed at providing every Nigerian child with a unique digital footprint.

"To know the closest Word Enrollment Centre to you, you can check our website https://nimc.gov.ng/, or you can call the toll free line 08000616462, to provide assured identity," NIMC added.

According to the commission's guidelines for 2026, minors under 16 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian who already possesses a valid NIN when seeking enrollment.

Parents are encouraged to bring original birth certificates or statutory declarations of age to the ward centres during registration.

The commission clarified that the process remains free of charge at all official centres, warning the public against patronising unauthorised agents who may attempt to exploit the situation for financial gain.

The directive affects all candidates preparing for the 2026 SSCE across Nigeria, with NIMC emphasising that compliance is mandatory rather than optional for all students seeking to write the examinations.