By Emma Peter, Abuja
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has commenced discussions with the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) on possible technical support for the Board’s biometric verification operations.
The development followed a meeting between the two federal institutions in Abuja on Friday, September 4, 2026, when JAMB Registrar, Prof. Segun Aina, led members of the Board’s management on a courtesy visit to the INEC headquarters.
Aina said JAMB turned to INEC because of the Commission’s extensive experience in using biometric systems to identify and verify large numbers of Nigerians during electoral exercises.
According to him, JAMB is exploring ways of further tightening its examination processes and was particularly interested in biometric equipment previously deployed by INEC but which may no longer be required for some of the Commission’s current operations.
He appealed to INEC to consider releasing suitable equipment to JAMB, stressing that such support could strengthen the Board’s ability to verify candidates and protect the integrity of its examinations.
Receiving the delegation, INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, SAN, described JAMB as an important institution whose activities have a direct bearing on Nigeria’s education sector and the future of young Nigerians.
Amupitan said INEC had continued to expand its use of technology in elections, citing recent exercises in Anambra State and the FCT, the governorship elections in Ekiti and Osun states, as well as various bye-elections conducted nationwide.
He noted that the Commission’s growing reliance on technology had received positive assessments from stakeholders, including the Office of the National Security Adviser and the United Kingdom High Commission, particularly in relation to the credibility and peaceful conduct of recent elections.
The INEC chairman subsequently directed the Commission’s Director of Information and Communications Technology (ICT), Dr. Lawrence Bayode, to examine JAMB’s request and conduct a proof-of-concept assessment.
The assessment is expected to establish whether any biometric verification equipment is available, determine its technical condition and assess whether it can be adapted for JAMB’s requirements.
Amupitan said the engagement demonstrated the value of government agencies pooling expertise, experience and available resources to improve public service delivery.
He assured the JAMB delegation that INEC was prepared to consider other areas of partnership that could enhance the effectiveness of both institutions and contribute to national development.
The JAMB registrar thanked the INEC chairman and management for receiving his delegation, saying the Board remained committed to building stronger institutional partnerships with the electoral commission.
