The Federal Government has unveiled plans to discontinue the long-standing Common Entrance Examination, marking a significant shift in Nigeria’s basic education system. The announcement was made by the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, as part of ongoing reforms aimed at strengthening the sector and improving learning outcomes across the country.
The government is introducing a Learner Identification Number (LIN) in place of the common entrance Examination, a unique code that will follow each student throughout their academic journey, from entry level through subsequent stages of schooling.
Under the proposed framework, student assessment will move away from a single, high-stakes exam toward a continuous evaluation model. This, according to officials, will provide a more accurate reflection of learners’ progress and overall development, rather than relying solely on one-off test results.
The LIN system is also expected to support the creation of a centralized database of students nationwide, enhancing monitoring, planning, and policy implementation within the education sector. By assigning each learner a permanent identification number, authorities aim to improve transparency, minimize record inconsistencies, and strengthen data integrity.
While education stakeholders see the reform as a step toward reducing pressure on pupils and fostering a more balanced learning environment, its success will depend on effective execution particularly in areas such as digital infrastructure, teacher readiness, and stakeholder engagement.
Overall, the initiative signals a transition toward a more modern, data-driven education system, with greater emphasis on continuous assessment, accountability, and long-term student development.
