The INEC biometric support for JAMB initiative has begun as the Independent National Electoral Commission expressed readiness to assist the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board with biometric verification technology.
INEC Biometric Support for JAMB: Offer Made in Abuja
The offer was made on Friday, September 4, 2026, when the JAMB Registrar, Prof. Segun Aina, led the Board’s management team on a courtesy visit to the INEC headquarters in Abuja.
Speaking on why the request was made, Prof. Aina said the push for INEC biometric support for JAMB came because JAMB approached INEC as a sister agency with proven experience in deploying biometric technology for the identification and verification of large numbers of Nigerians.
He explained that the Board was seeking to further strengthen the integrity of its examination processes and had learned that INEC had biometric verification equipment that might no longer be in active use.
Aina therefore appealed to the Commission to consider making some of the equipment available to JAMB to support its efforts to enhance biometric verification.
INEC Biometric Support for JAMB: Commission’s Response
Responding, INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, SAN, welcomed the delegation and commended JAMB for its role in Nigeria’s education system.
The Chairman received the delegation alongside Prof. Abdullahi Abdu-Zuru, National Commissioner, Outreach and Partnerships, Dr. Lawrence Bayode, Director, ICT, Umar M. Bashar, Director, Human Resources Management, Mrs Victoria Eta-Messi, Director, Voter Education and Publicity, Adedayo Oketola, Chief Press Secretary to the Chairman.
Amupitan noted that INEC’s recent electoral engagements including the Anambra and FCT Area Council elections, Ekiti and Osun governorship elections, and bye-elections had demonstrated the Commission’s growing technological capacity.
He said the deployment of technology in recent elections had attracted commendations from stakeholders including the Office of the National Security Adviser and the UK High Commission.
The INEC Chairman directed the Director of ICT to review the request of INEC Biometric Support for JAMB and undertake a proof-of-concept assessment. This will determine the availability, technical condition and suitability of any biometric verification equipment that could be deployed by the Board.
He described the visit as a reflection of the growing importance of inter-agency collaboration and the need for government institutions to leverage their expertise for national development.
Amupitan assured the JAMB delegation that INEC remains willing to explore further areas of cooperation to strengthen the capacity of both institutions.
In his response, Prof. Aina expressed appreciation to the INEC Chairman and management, reaffirming JAMB’s interest in strengthening institutional collaboration with the Commission.
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