The Federal Government has announced plans to abolish the Junior Secondary School Common Entrance Examination, replacing it with a Learner Identification Number (LIN) to track pupils throughout their academic journey.

Education Minister Tunji Alausa revealed the reforms during a session with journalists in Lagos on Saturday, explaining that the move aims to improve access to education, bridge gaps in the transition from primary to secondary school, and enable authorities to monitor student progress nationwide.

“The Common Entrance Examination will be phased out and replaced by Continuous Assessment (CA), which reflects a pupil’s performance from Primary One. Even if a pupil transfers to another school, the assessment moves with them,” Alausa said.

Highlighting the urgency of the reforms, the minister noted that of over 23 million pupils in more than 50,000 public primary schools, only about 3 million currently transition to junior secondary schools in public institutions. “Where are the other 20 million?” he asked, stressing the need to expand access.

Under the new system, each pupil will receive a unique Learner Identification Number to follow them throughout their schooling. This will allow authorities to monitor progress, quickly identify dropouts, and address gaps in education delivery.

Alausa also urged state governments to build more schools to accommodate growing enrolment, noting that private schools alone cannot solve the access problem.

In addition, the minister announced plans to revive the school feeding programme, which may be shifted to the Federal Ministry of Education for better monitoring and to encourage enrolment in public schools.

The reforms form part of broader efforts to strengthen the education sector, improve retention rates, and ensure more Nigerian children complete basic education.