INEC Offers Help to JAMB with Biometric Technology

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has said it will help the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) with biometric verification technology.

INEC Chairman, Joash Amupitan, who is a professor, announced this on Friday. He spoke during a visit by JAMB Registrar, Segun Aina, and his team.

Mr Amupitan praised JAMB’s important work. He called the board crucial for Nigeria's growth and the future of young people.

He mentioned that INEC’s recent elections showed its growing tech skills. He pointed to the Anambra and Ekiti governorship elections as examples.

He also talked about the Osun governorship election, the FCT Area Council election, and various by-elections across the country. Observers, including the Office of the National Security Adviser and the UK High Commission, praised the credibility and peace during these elections.

Mr Amupitan asked INEC’s Director of Information and Communications Technology (ICT) to look into JAMB’s request. This would include a proof-of-concept assessment.

He said the assessment would check if INEC’s biometric verification equipment is available and suitable for JAMB’s use. Mr Amupitan noted that this visit shows the growing cooperation between government agencies.

He stressed that working together is important for national development. He promised the JAMB team that INEC would look into more ways to partner with them.

Earlier, Mr Aina, who is also a professor, mentioned that JAMB reached out to INEC as a sister agency. He pointed out INEC’s strong record in biometric verification technology.

He said JAMB wants to boost the integrity of its exams by using better biometric verification systems. Mr Aina recognized that INEC might have biometric machines that are no longer in use.

He asked INEC to think about giving these machines to JAMB to help improve its verification processes. He thanked the INEC chairman and team for the warm welcome they gave to his delegation.