Key Takeaways
- The Independent National Electoral Commission has offered to assist JAMB with biometric verification technology.
- JAMB Registrar Prof Segun Aina led a management delegation to INEC headquarters in Abuja to make the request.
- INEC Chairman Prof Joash Amupitan has directed the Director of ICT to conduct a proof-of-concept assessment of available equipment.
- Recent INEC elections have strengthened the commission's reputation for deploying credible technology.
The Independent National Electoral Commission has expressed readiness to support the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board with biometric verification technology, marking a notable step toward deeper collaboration between two of Nigeria's most important public institutions.
JAMB Registrar Prof Segun Aina led members of the board's management team on a courtesy visit to INEC headquarters in Abuja at the weekend. He explained that JAMB approached INEC as a sister agency with proven experience in deploying biometric technology to identify and verify large numbers of Nigerians. The Board wants to reinforce the integrity of its examination processes, and Aina noted that INEC may have biometric verification equipment that is no longer actively used.
He appealed to the Commission to consider releasing some of those devices to JAMB, arguing that such support could significantly enhance the Board's verification capacity.
Why Biometric Verification Matters for JAMB
JAMB conducts entrance examinations for millions of candidates each year, making reliable candidate identification a massive operational challenge. Biometric verification helps prevent impersonation, multiple registrations, and examination malpractice. Any technology that strengthens this process has direct implications for trust in Nigeria's tertiary education admission system.
INEC Chairman Prof Joash Amupitan, SAN, received the delegation alongside senior officials, including the National Commissioner in charge of Outreach and Partnerships, Prof Abdullahi Abdu-Zuru, and the Director of ICT, Dr. Lawrence Bayode.
A Track Record of Technology Deployment
Amupitan said INEC's recent electoral exercises, including the Anambra and FCT Area Council elections, the Ekiti and Osun governorship polls, and various bye-elections, had demonstrated growing technological capacity. According to him, the deployment of technology earned commendations from the Office of the National Security Adviser and the United Kingdom High Commission, particularly because the elections were largely credible and peaceful.
The Chairman directed the Director of ICT to review JAMB's request and conduct a proof-of-concept assessment. This review will determine the availability, technical condition, and suitability of any biometric equipment that could be handed over to JAMB.
Strengthening Institutional Collaboration
Amupitan described the visit as a reflection of the growing importance of inter-agency collaboration. He stressed that government institutions should leverage their respective expertise and resources to advance national development. He assured the delegation that INEC remained open to exploring further areas of cooperation.
Aina expressed appreciation for the warm reception and reaffirmed JAMB's interest in building a stronger institutional relationship with the Commission.
Why This Matters
If the proof-of-concept assessment succeeds, the equipment-sharing arrangement could mark a practical example of federal agencies working together to protect critical national processes. It would also signal that Nigeria's public institutions are increasingly willing to combine resources and technical know-how in service of credible elections and examinations.