INEC has offered biometric technology support to JAMB as the examination body seeks to strengthen identity verification and improve the integrity of its examination processes.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has offered to support the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) with biometric verification technology as both federal agencies move to deepen institutional collaboration.
The development followed a courtesy visit by JAMB Registrar, Prof. Segun Aina, and members of the board’s management team to INEC headquarters in Abuja on Friday, September 4, 2026.
INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, welcomed the proposal and directed the commission’s Director of Information and Communications Technology (ICT) to review JAMB’s request through a proof-of-concept assessment.
The assessment will determine the availability, technical condition and suitability of INEC’s biometric verification equipment for possible deployment by JAMB.
Aina said JAMB approached INEC because of the commission’s experience in deploying biometric technology for the identification and verification of large numbers of Nigerians.
He said the board was seeking to strengthen the integrity of its examination processes through improved biometric verification systems.
According to Aina, JAMB was aware that INEC had some biometric verification machines that might no longer be in active use.
He appealed to the electoral commission to consider making suitable equipment available to JAMB to support its efforts to improve examination verification.
The request is aimed at strengthening the systems used to verify candidates and protect the credibility of JAMB’s examination processes.
Responding to the request, Amupitan said INEC would first establish whether its available equipment could meet JAMB’s requirements.
He therefore directed the Director of ICT to conduct a proof-of-concept assessment to determine the availability and suitability of the technology.
The arrangement means that the proposed transfer or deployment of the equipment is not yet final. It will depend on the outcome of the technical assessment.
Amupitan described the engagement as evidence of growing cooperation among government agencies and said INEC was willing to explore additional areas of collaboration with JAMB.
The INEC chairman also pointed to the commission’s recent electoral activities as evidence of its growing technological capacity.
He cited the Anambra and Ekiti governorship elections, the Osun governorship election, the Federal Capital Territory Area Council election and various bye-elections conducted across the country.
According to Amupitan, observers including the Office of the National Security Adviser and the United Kingdom High Commission commended the credibility and peaceful conduct of the electoral exercises.
He described JAMB as a critical institution in Nigeria’s education system and in advancing the interests of young Nigerians.
The INEC chairman said government agencies could achieve greater impact by sharing expertise, resources and technology in pursuit of national development.
The proposed collaboration could provide JAMB with additional biometric capacity as it continues efforts to strengthen candidate identification and examination integrity.
Aina expressed appreciation to Amupitan and the INEC management for receiving his delegation and reaffirmed JAMB’s interest in building stronger institutional ties with the electoral commission.
INEC National Commissioner for Outreach and Partnerships, Prof. Abdullahi Abdu-Zuru, INEC Chairman’s Chief Press Secretary, Adedayo Oketola, and other officials attended the meeting.
The proposed partnership represents a potential example of inter-agency resource sharing, with JAMB seeking to leverage INEC’s experience and technology to improve the credibility and efficiency of its examination verification systems.
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