The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) are exploring greater cooperation in the use of biometric technology.
The development followed a visit by JAMB Registrar, Prof. Segun Aina, and members of the Board’s management team to INEC headquarters in Abuja on Friday.
Aina said JAMB approached the electoral commission because of its experience in using biometric systems to identify and verify large numbers of Nigerians.
According to him, the Board is seeking to strengthen the integrity of its examination processes through improved biometric verification.
Aina disclosed that JAMB had learnt that INEC might have biometric verification equipment that was no longer actively deployed.
He appealed to the electoral commission to consider making some of the equipment available to JAMB if it was still technically suitable.
The proposed support would enable JAMB to improve its identification and verification procedures during its examination-related activities.
Responding to the request, INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, SAN, welcomed the JAMB delegation and praised the Board’s role in Nigeria’s education system.
Amupitan directed INEC’s Director of Information and Communications Technology, Dr Lawrence Bayode, to review JAMB’s request.
He also ordered a proof-of-concept assessment to establish whether any available biometric equipment could be deployed by JAMB.
The assessment will consider the availability, technical condition and suitability of the equipment before any decision is made.
Amupitan also highlighted the Commission’s recent use of technology during electoral exercises across the country.
He referenced the Anambra and Federal Capital Territory Area Council elections, the Ekiti and Osun governorship elections, as well as various bye-elections.
According to the INEC chairman, the Commission’s technological deployment during recent elections had received positive feedback from stakeholders, including the Office of the National Security Adviser and the United Kingdom High Commission.
He said the commendations were linked particularly to the credibility and peaceful conduct of the elections.
Amupitan described the meeting as evidence of the increasing importance of collaboration among government institutions.
He said agencies could achieve more by sharing expertise, technology and available resources where appropriate.
READ MORE: EFCC: Recovered Institutions Converted To Federal Universities
The INEC chairman assured JAMB that the commission was open to exploring additional areas of cooperation that could strengthen the ability of both institutions to fulfil their respective responsibilities.
Aina thanked the INEC leadership for receiving his delegation and reiterated JAMB’s interest in building stronger institutional ties with the electoral commission.
He said the Board was particularly interested in using technology to improve the reliability, efficiency and integrity of its examination processes.
The proposed biometric equipment assessment is expected to determine whether INEC’s available resources can provide practical support for JAMB’s objectives.
