The senate has asked the federal government to suspend the National Identification Number (NIN) requirement for students seeking to take the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).

The resolution was passed after Ifeanyi Uba, senator representing Anambra south, sponsored a motion on the matter.

The upper legislative chamber also asked the ministry of education and the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) to establish a decentralised process where students can easily obtain their NIN.

While moving the motion on Tuesday, Uba said students should be able to obtain the NIN at their schools.

The motion was adopted after Senate President Ahmad Lawan put it to a voice vote.

In March, the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) had said all students must provide their NIN at the point of registration.

“This is mandatory for participation in the 2021 registration exercise,” Fabian Benjamin, JAMB spokesman, had said.

“Registration will take place in 700 centres across the country; the list is available in all the state offices of JAMB and on its website at www.jamb.gov.ng.

“The approved schedule for registration and examination are that registration exercise will start on Thursday, April 8 and end on Saturday, May 15, 2021.

“Candidates are also to note that the registration for Direct Entry applicants will run concurrently with that of UTME candidates.”