The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) is set to introduce Facial Biometric Verification (FBV) as an additional security measure for candidates sitting the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).
The new technology is aimed at strengthening the identification process, preventing impersonation and reducing examination malpractice during the UTME.
JAMB said facial biometric verification will complement the existing biometric authentication system used to verify candidates before and during the examination.
The system works by using an individual’s facial features to establish identity, providing an additional layer of authentication alongside existing biometric checks.
The introduction is part of efforts by the examination body to strengthen the integrity of the UTME and make it increasingly difficult for individuals to sit examinations on behalf of registered candidates.
Examination impersonation has remained one of the challenges facing Nigeria’s education system, with JAMB introducing several measures over the years to prevent malpractice.
The deployment of facial verification is expected to make the identification process more robust by allowing candidates to be matched against their registered biometric information.
The new system will work alongside existing verification procedures rather than completely replacing them.
JAMB’s move is also in line with the broader adoption of biometric technology across government services, particularly for identity management and authentication.
The examination body is expected to provide further details on the implementation of the technology and how candidates will be required to participate in the facial-verification process.
The development could significantly change the way candidates are authenticated during future UTME examinations and further tighten JAMB’s security framework.