The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) are exploring a technology partnership aimed at strengthening biometric verification systems and improving the integrity of JAMB’s examination processes.
The development followed a courtesy visit by the JAMB Registrar, Prof. Segun Aina, and members of his management team to the INEC headquarters in Abuja on Friday.
Aina said JAMB approached INEC because of the Commission’s experience in biometric verification, noting that the Board was seeking ways to further strengthen its examination processes.
He said JAMB understood that INEC had biometric verification machines that might no longer be in active use and appealed to the Commission to consider making the equipment available to support the Board’s verification systems.
Receiving the delegation, INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, SAN, welcomed the initiative and commended JAMB for its role in the education and development of Nigerian youths.
Amupitan highlighted INEC’s recent technological deployments during the Anambra and Federal Capital Territory Area Council elections, the Ekiti and Osun governorship elections, as well as bye-elections conducted across the country.
He said the exercises had attracted commendation from observers, including the Office of the National Security Adviser and the United Kingdom High Commission, particularly for their credibility and peaceful conduct.
The INEC Chairman directed the Commission’s Director of Information and Communications Technology (ICT) to review JAMB’s request and conduct a proof-of-concept assessment to establish the availability and suitability of the biometric verification equipment for possible use by JAMB.
He described the engagement as a reflection of growing synergy among government institutions, stressing that collaboration was necessary for agencies to leverage their respective capacities in advancing national development.
Amupitan also assured the JAMB delegation of INEC’s willingness to explore additional areas of cooperation between both institutions.
Aina, in turn, expressed appreciation to the INEC Chairman and management for the reception accorded his delegation, as the two agencies seek to build on their areas of technological expertise.
