JAMB Seeks INEC Biometric Equipment as Agencies Deepen Collaboration

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is considering providing biometric verification equipment to the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) to support the Board’s efforts to strengthen the integrity of its examination processes.

JAMB Registrar, Prof. Segun Aina, made the request during a courtesy visit to INEC headquarters in Abuja at the weekend, where he led the Board’s management team.

Aina said JAMB was seeking INEC’s assistance because of the Commission’s extensive experience in using biometric technology to identify and verify large numbers of Nigerians.

According to him, the Board had learnt that some of INEC’s biometric verification equipment might no longer be in active use and appealed to the Commission to consider releasing some of the equipment to JAMB.

The request was received by INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, SAN, who welcomed the delegation and praised JAMB’s contribution to Nigeria’s education sector and youth development.

Amupitan was accompanied by the National Commissioner for Outreach and Partnerships, Prof. Abdullahi Abdu-Zuru; Director of ICT, Dr. Lawrence Bayode; Director of Human Resources Management, Umar M. Bashar; Director of Voter Education and Publicity, Mrs Victoria Eta-Messi; and the Chief Press Secretary to the Chairman, Adedayo Oketola.

Highlighting INEC’s technological progress, Amupitan cited the Commission’s recent electoral activities, including the Anambra and FCT Area Council elections, the Ekiti and Osun governorship elections and various bye-elections across the country.

He said INEC’s use of technology during recent elections had received positive feedback from stakeholders, including the Office of the National Security Adviser and the United Kingdom High Commission, particularly regarding the credibility and peaceful conduct of the polls.

The INEC chairman consequently directed the Director of ICT to examine JAMB’s request and carry out a proof-of-concept assessment.

The assessment, he said, would determine the availability, technical condition and suitability of any biometric verification equipment that could be made available to JAMB.

Amupitan said the engagement underscored the importance of collaboration among government institutions and the need to maximise existing expertise and resources for national development.

He further assured the JAMB delegation that INEC was open to identifying other areas of cooperation that could enhance the ability of both agencies to fulfil their statutory responsibilities.

Aina, in his response, expressed appreciation to the INEC chairman and management for receiving his team and reiterated JAMB’s commitment to strengthening institutional cooperation with the electoral commission.

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