INEC Backs JAMB's Biometric Drive to Enhance Exam Integrity

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has expressed its willingness to provide biometric verification technology support to the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), aiming to strengthen the collaborative efforts between the two key federal agencies.

This commitment came to light on Friday when Professor Segun Aina, JAMB Registrar, led his management team on a courtesy visit to INEC’s headquarters in Abuja. During the visit, Professor Aina explained that JAMB approached INEC specifically because of its significant expertise in implementing biometric technology for identifying and verifying a large number of Nigerian citizens. He clarified that the Board seeks to further improve the integrity of its examination processes and understood that INEC possesses biometric verification equipment that might no longer be in active use.

Professor Aina stated, “We approached INEC as a sister agency with considerable experience in the deployment of biometric technology for the identification and verification of large numbers of Nigerians.” He appealed to the Commission to consider making some of this equipment available to JAMB to bolster its efforts in enhancing biometric verification for candidates.

Responding to the appeal, INEC Chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan, SAN, extended a warm welcome to the JAMB delegation. He commended JAMB for its vital statutory functions, describing the Board as “a critical institution in Nigeria’s education system and the development of the country’s youth.” Professor Amupitan highlighted that INEC’s recent electoral activities, which include the Anambra and Federal Capital Territory Area Council elections, the Ekiti and Osun governorship elections, along with various bye-elections nationwide, have showcased the Commission’s expanding technological capabilities.

He further noted that the strategic deployment of technology in these recent elections garnered praise from various stakeholders, including the Office of the National Security Adviser and the United Kingdom High Commission. These commendations, he added, were particularly linked to the credibility and peaceful conduct achieved during these electoral exercises.

To address JAMB’s request, the INEC Chairman instructed Dr. Lawrence Bayode, the Director of Information and Communications Technology, to thoroughly review the proposal and conduct a proof-of-concept assessment. This assessment, Professor Amupitan clarified, would ascertain the availability, technical condition, and overall suitability of any biometric verification equipment that JAMB could potentially utilize.

Professor Amupitan characterized the visit as a testament to “the growing importance of inter-agency collaboration,” emphasizing the necessity for government institutions to pool their expertise and resources to foster national development. He reassured the delegation that “INEC remained willing to explore further areas of cooperation” that could strengthen both institutions’ capacity to fulfill their respective mandates.

In his concluding remarks, Professor Aina expressed profound gratitude to the INEC Chairman and management for the warm reception accorded to his team. He reiterated JAMB’s strong interest in fortifying institutional collaboration with INEC, especially in leveraging technology to enhance the integrity and efficiency of the Board’s examination processes.