By Sandra Kenneth
The National Orientation Agency (NOA) has dismissed claims by the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) that it is exceeding its statutory authority by advocating for the proposed Learner Identification Number (LIN).
In a statement issued on Thursday, the Director-General of the NOA, Lanre Issa-Onilu, clarified that the agency’s role is strictly confined to public communication and civic engagement, rather than policy formulation or execution.
“As the primary government agency for public orientation, NOA works across Ministries, Departments, and Agencies to ensure citizens receive accurate and understandable information about government policies, programmes, and activities,” Issa-Onilu stated.
The dispute follows a demand by NANS, led by its President, Akinteye Afeez, calling on the Federal Government to halt the implementation of the LIN. NANS argued that the proposed system creates an unnecessary duplication of the existing National Identification Number (NIN) and accused the NOA of stepping outside its designated role by driving the initiative.
Rejecting the assertion, the NOA chief emphasized that explaining a government program to the public does not equal formulating or implementing it. He noted that the relevant authorities retain direct responsibility for the LIN policy, while the NOA serves as a bridge to gather feedback through initiatives like its “Pulse of the Nation” platform.
Issa-Onilu urged student leaders to distinguish between policy implementation and public communication, adding that the agency remains open to constructive dialogue with NANS to address student concerns regarding the relationship between the LIN and NIN.
