By Augustine Ehikioya
The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC has offered to support the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, JAMB with biometric verification technology as both agencies move to strengthen inter-agency collaboration.
The offer followed a courtesy visit by JAMB Registrar, Prof. Segun Aina and members of his management team to INEC headquarters in Abuja on Friday.
Speaking during the visit, Prof. Aina said JAMB approached INEC as a sister agency with proven experience in biometric verification, with the goal of strengthening the integrity of its examination processes.
He noted that JAMB understood INEC possessed biometric verification machines that may no longer be in active use, and appealed to the Commission to consider making the equipment available to enhance JAMB’s own verification systems.
Responding, INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, welcomed the JAMB delegation and commended the Board’s statutory role in national development, describing it as “central to the education and advancement of Nigerian youths.”
He was joined to receive the delegation by National Commissioner in charge of Outreach and Partnerships, Prof. Abdullahi Abdu-Zuru, and Directors of ICT, Human Resources Management, Voter Education and Publicity, as well as the Chief Press Secretary to the Chairman, Adedayo Oketola.
Prof. Amupitan cited INEC’s recent conduct of the Anambra, FCT Area Council, Ekiti and Osun governorship elections, as well as bye-elections across the country, as evidence of the Commission’s growing technological capacity.
He noted that both exercises were widely commended by observers, including the Office of the National Security Adviser and the UK High Commission, for their credibility and peaceful conduct.
The INEC Chairman directed the Director of ICT to review JAMB’s request and determine, through a proof-of-concept assessment, the availability and suitability of INEC’s biometric verification equipment for possible use by JAMB.
“This visit reflects the growing synergy between government agencies. Institutions must work together to advance national development,” Prof. Amupitan said, assuring the JAMB delegation of the Commission’s willingness to explore further areas of cooperation.
In response, Prof. Aina expressed appreciation to the INEC Chairman and management for the warm reception accorded his team.
