The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has offered to support the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) with biometric verification technology to help secure the integrity of the Board’s examinations.
The offer was made on Friday, when the JAMB Registrar, Prof Segun Aina, and his management team paid a courtesy visit to INEC headquarters in Abuja.
Prof Aina said JAMB approached INEC because of its proven expertise in biometric verification.
He noted that the Board was looking to enhance its examination processes and was aware that INEC has biometric verification machines that may no longer be in active use.
He therefore appealed to the Commission to make the equipment available to JAMB.
Welcoming the delegation, INEC Chairman, Prof Joash Amupitan, SAN, commended JAMB’s role in national development, describing it as critical to the education and advancement of Nigerian youths.
Prof Amupitan was joined by the National Commissioner in charge of Outreach and Partnerships, Prof Abdullahi Abdu-Zuru, and directors of ICT, Human Resources Management, and Voter Education and Publicity, as well as his Chief Press Secretary, Adedayo Oketola.
The INEC Chairman cited the Commission’s recent conduct of the Anambra, FCT Area Council, Ekiti and Osun governorship elections, and bye-elections across the country.
He said the polls were widely commended by observers, including the Office of the National Security Adviser and the UK High Commission, for their credibility and peaceful conduct.
He directed the Director of ICT to carry out a proof-of-concept assessment to determine the availability and suitability of INEC’s biometric verification equipment for possible use by JAMB.
“Both agencies must work together to advance national development,” Prof Amupitan said, adding that INEC was willing to explore further areas of cooperation with JAMB.
Prof Aina thanked the INEC Chairman and management for the reception accorded his team.