I know that, as a secondary school student, you are preparing for your registration for the 2024 JAMB UTME. While preparing by studying your books is a great step in the right direction, it is important to let you know that only candidates who have registered and obtained their NINs will be allowed to register and write the exam. That is why it is crucial to emphasise the significance of acquiring your NIN at this time, because failing to do so may prevent you from completing essential tasks in school or during the NYSC programme in the future.
Therefore, it is highly recommended that you obtain your NIN promptly and alleviate any potential concerns.
Also, I find it important to give all students and potential UTME candidates the guidelines for registering and acquiring their NIN before the 2024 UTME registration starts, as it is expected to begin soon. It is also recommended that 2024 UTME candidates begin their exam preparation by downloading and practicing with JAMB CBT computer software.
Understanding The Meaning Of NIN
NIN stands for National Identification Number. It is a unique 11-digit number that is randomly assigned to an individual after they have completed the enrollment process for the National Identity Database (NIDB).
Once a NIN is given to someone, it cannot be given to or used by another person. It is a one-time assignment that remains with the individual for life. If someone passes away, their NIN is retired after presenting a certificate to the Commission and confirming their identity.
The NIN is used to link all the information about an individual in the database and is also used to establish or verify their identity. Every citizen and legal resident in Nigeria, from birth onwards, is eligible to enrol for their NIN.
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First, check if you already have a National Identification Number (NIN).
Before you proceed with registering to get your NIN, the first step is to check if you already have one. To do this, use the phone that you used to register for the NIN and dial *346# to retrieve your NIN. Once your NIN is displayed, you can either take a screenshot or write it down somewhere.
Please remember not to share your NIN information on any social media platform. However, you can share it when requested by trusted institutions.
Retrieving your NIN by dialling *346# is completely free on all Nigerian mobile networks, including MTN, Airtel, Glo, and 9mobile.
NIN Registration Process: If you don’t already have a NIN
Supporting Documents
Go to the nearest NIMC Enrollment Centre with your BVN (if you have one) and any of the following required original and valid supporting documents:
- Old National ID Card
- Driver’s Licence
- Voter’s card (Temporary or Permanent)
- Nigerian International passport
- Certificate of Origin
- Attestation letter from a prominent ruler in your community
- Birth certificate
- Declaration of age
- Attestation letter from religious/traditional leader
- NHIS ID card
- Government staff ID card
- Registered/recognized private organization staff ID card
- School ID Card (private/public)
- Tax Clearance certificate
- Valid immigration documents
- Nigerian Commission for Refugees (NCFR) Refugee Certificate
- Refugee ID card
- Refugee Factsheet
Registration at an Enrollment Centre
The entire registration process can be completed at an enrollment centre. To minimise the time spent at the enrolment centre, you can download and print the enrolment form from the website (https://nimc.gov.ng/), fill it out, and then bring it to the enrolment centre to complete the remaining registration steps.
- Steps:
- Applicants should visit the enrollment centre and bring a supporting document.
- The applicant’s information will be verified to determine if they have previously enrolled using the NIN verification portal.
- If the applicant has not enrolled before, they will be given an enrollment form to fill out. If the applicant has pre-enrolled online, they will need to provide the printed barcode slip.
- The NIMC Official will review the applicant’s forms to verify the information provided and ensure there are no mistakes. It is important to note that if an applicant is unable to read or write, they should be accompanied by someone who can assist them in filling out the form.
- The NIMC enrolment officer will either manually input the pre-filled information into the NIMC Software or scan the Barcode slip to automatically populate the necessary fields.
- Afterwards, the enrolment officer will ask the applicant to carefully review their information on the applicant monitor to identify any errors.
- If the applicant is happy with their demographic information, their biometrics (ten fingerprints and facial image) will be taken.
- Once the enrollment is complete, the applicant will receive a Transaction ID Slip as proof of the transaction. However, this slip does not grant the right to a National Identification Number (NIN).
- The applicant will need to return within 1-5 working days to obtain the NIN, depending on network availability and verification.
- After processing, the applicants will receive a National Identification Number (NIN) Slip. The National e-ID Card will be issued to the applicant within 12 months, unless there are unforeseen circumstances.
Important Points To Note
Here is the paraphrased and improved version of the content:
- The application for enrollment is completely free.
- Children under the age of 15 should be accompanied by their parents or guardians when applying.
- When applying, minors should only bring an original and valid birth certificate and the NIN slip of one of their Nigerian parents or guardians.
- The National e-ID Card will not be given to minors until they turn 16 years old.
- After a minor completes the enrollment process, a text message will be sent to the applicant, parent, or guardian when the minor turns 16 years old, asking them to come for an update.
