Gaps in Nigeria’s digital identity system are leaving millions of schoolchildren without access to essential public services, highlighting the need for stronger civil registration and digital identification to support education and social development.
Education and development experts say many children lack official identity records, limiting their ability to benefit from government programmes, healthcare services, financial inclusion initiatives and other social interventions that increasingly rely on verified digital identities.
According to stakeholders, the absence of reliable digital identification also affects education planning, making it more difficult for authorities to track school enrollment, allocate resources and implement targeted policies aimed at improving learning outcomes.
Experts argue that a comprehensive digital identity system would help ensure that every child is counted, enabling governments to make evidence-based decisions on school infrastructure, teacher deployment and education financing.
The challenge is particularly pronounced in rural and underserved communities, where barriers such as limited birth registration, inadequate digital infrastructure and low public awareness continue to hinder access to identity services. Children from vulnerable households are often disproportionately affected, increasing the risk of exclusion from educational opportunities and other public services.
Development specialists note that digital identity is increasingly recognized as a foundation for inclusive development. Beyond education, it can facilitate access to healthcare, social protection programmes, financial services and legal documentation throughout an individual’s lifetime.
Analysts say improving digital identity coverage will require greater investment in civil registration systems, digital infrastructure and public awareness campaigns, as well as stronger collaboration among federal and state governments, educational institutions and development partners.
They also emphasize the importance of protecting personal data and ensuring that digital identity systems are secure, inclusive and accessible, particularly for children and marginalized populations.
Nigeria has continued efforts to expand its national digital identity programme as part of broader digital transformation and governance reforms. However, experts say sustained implementation, adequate funding and community engagement will be essential to closing existing coverage gaps.
Stakeholders argue that ensuring every child has a recognized digital identity is not only an administrative priority but also a critical step toward achieving equitable access to education and other essential services. They say strengthening identity systems can improve planning, enhance service delivery and support Nigeria’s long-term human capital development goals.
As Nigeria advances its digital transformation agenda, experts stress that extending identity registration to every school-age child will be vital to reducing educational inequality and ensuring that no child is left behind in accessing opportunities for learning and development.
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