The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, is considering deploying its biometric verification technology to support the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, JAMB in strengthening candidate authentication and tightening the integrity of Nigeria’s examination system.
The development followed a visit by the JAMB Registrar, Professor Segun Aina, and members of his management team to INEC headquarters in Abuja on Friday.
Professor Aina explained that the examination body seeks INEC’s assistance due to INEC’s extensive experience in deploying large-scale biometric technology nationwide.
He appealed to the commission to consider releasing surplus or inactive biometric equipment to support JAMB’s efforts to enhance the integrity of its matriculation exams.
Responding, INEC Chairman Professor Joash Amupitan commended JAMB’s role in Nigeria’s education sector and directed the Commission’s Director of Information and Communications Technology, ICT Lawrence Bayode, to review the proposal.
The ICT department has been tasked with conducting a proof-of-concept assessment to evaluate the technical condition and suitability of available biometric devices for potential deployment to JAMB.
Amupitan noted that INEC’s technological capacity had been demonstrated during recent off-cycle governorship elections and local council polls, drawing praise from international partners and security agencies for credibility and efficiency.
He stressed that leveraging shared expertise and physical resources between public institutions remains vital for advancing national development goals.
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(Editor: Ebuwa Omo-Osagie)
