The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) may soon strengthen its candidate verification system with biometric equipment from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), following a move by both federal agencies to deepen technological cooperation.
The development followed a courtesy visit by JAMB Registrar, Prof. Segun Aina, and members of his management team to the INEC headquarters in Abuja.
Aina said JAMB approached INEC because of the electoral commission’s experience in deploying biometric technology for the identification and verification of large numbers of Nigerians.
He explained that the board was seeking ways to further strengthen the integrity of its examination processes and had learnt that INEC possessed biometric verification machines that might no longer be in active use.
The JAMB registrar therefore appealed to the commission to consider making some of the equipment available to the examination body.
The request comes as examination authorities continue to explore technological solutions to improve candidate identification and reduce opportunities for impersonation and other forms of examination malpractice.
Receiving the delegation, INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, SAN, commended JAMB for its statutory responsibilities and its contribution to the education and development of Nigerian youths.
Amupitan pointed to the commission’s recent deployment of technology during elections, including the Anambra and Federal Capital Territory Area Council elections, as well as the Ekiti and Osun governorship elections and various bye-elections.
He said the use of technology during the electoral exercises had attracted commendations from observers, including the Office of the National Security Adviser and the United Kingdom High Commission, particularly regarding the credibility and peaceful conduct of the polls.
Following the request, the INEC chairman directed the commission’s Director of Information and Communications Technology to review JAMB’s proposal.
He ordered a proof-of-concept assessment to establish the availability and suitability of INEC’s biometric verification equipment for possible deployment by JAMB.
The assessment is expected to determine whether the existing equipment can meet the technical and operational requirements of the examination body before any possible deployment.
Amupitan described the engagement as evidence of the growing importance of inter-agency collaboration, stressing that government institutions should leverage their expertise and resources to advance national development.
He assured the JAMB management that INEC was willing to explore further areas of cooperation between both agencies.
Aina, in response, expressed appreciation to the INEC leadership for receiving the delegation and reaffirmed JAMB’s interest in strengthening institutional collaboration.
If successfully implemented, the proposed arrangement could give JAMB access to additional biometric resources while allowing the examination body to draw from INEC’s experience in large-scale identity verification.
