NAPTAN lauds Senate suspension of NIN, seeks immediate implementation
The National Parent-Teacher Association of Nigeria (NAPTAN) has called for the immediate implementation of the resolution by the Senate to review the National Identification Number (NIN) for prospective UTME candidates.
Chief Adeolu Ogunbanjo, NAPTAN Deputy National President, made the call in an interview with the newsmen on Thursday in Lagos.
Ogunbanjo also commended the Senate for taking proactive steps on the development.
Reports said that the Senate on Tuesday urged the Federal Ministry of Education, the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, JAMB, and the National Identity Management Commission, NIMC, to as a matter of urgency, review the implementation of the NIN policy.
According to the Senate, this is with a view to extending the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination registration deadline and requirements until there is a seamless and well-organised process for obtaining NIN.
“The Senate has done something interesting, talking about NIN registration for the UTME.
”When JAMB announced the extension of registration for the examination to June, few days ago, I went to about seven centres, both the NIN and network providers.
“I observed that it was still very difficult because hardly can each centre register 10 persons per day. This is a far cry as the crowd, which is made up more of students, is alarming.
“I will be glad if the resolution can be implemented immediately because sometimes when they take it to the House of Representatives, they may delay (its implementation).
”So, let the implementation be immediate,” he said.
According to him, the pre-condition requirements have subjected some prospective candidates to pay as much as N5,000 to N6,000 for NIN registration, after the initial payment of N4,700 for registration documents.
“This is because the policy makes it mandatory for them to have their NIN before they can be registered for the UTME.
”It is rather unfortunate, particularly for the candidates and parents that cannot afford the money.
“But these people are somehow forced to raise the money just to complete the process, so with this wonderful development, we sincerely thank the Senate once again,” he added.
The NAPTAN boss described the resolution as a good development and a great relief.
