JAMB is planning to introduce facial biometric verification for UTME candidates as part of new measures to tackle impersonation and examination malpractice.
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) says it is working with the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) to introduce a system that will verify candidates using their faces during examinations.
How Will It Work?
According to JAMB, cameras available at Computer-Based Test (CBT) centres will capture candidates’ live facial images during the examination.
The images will then be sent through a dedicated application to NIMC, where they will be matched against the candidate’s identity records.
A confirmation code will indicate whether the candidate’s identity has been successfully verified.
The interesting part? No fingerprint scanner or physical contact would be required.
JAMB says the technology can work with standard cameras already found on smartphones, tablets and computers, meaning CBT centres may not need specialised equipment.
Why Is JAMB Introducing It?
JAMB explained that fingerprint authentication has sometimes caused problems when candidates have wet, dirty or worn-out fingers, leading to failed biometric verification and unnecessary anxiety on examination day.
The Board says facial verification can be completed in less than a second under suitable conditions.
It also believes the contactless system could:
✅ Reduce impersonation during UTME
✅ Minimise biometric verification failures
✅ Reduce examination malpractice
✅ Limit the need to reschedule candidates because of biometric issues
✅ Reduce physical contact with devices at CBT centres
Will Fingerprint Verification Stop Immediately?
No.
JAMB says the existing 10-fingerprint biometric system will continue in the short term while facial verification is gradually introduced.
The Board indicated that within the next two to three years, facial verification could eventually replace fingerprint authentication and even One-Time Passwords (OTPs).
The initiative is part of the reforms being introduced under JAMB’s new Registrar, Professor Segun Aina, as the Board continues to increase its use of technology in the UTME.
What do you think about this new system?
Would you prefer facial verification or fingerprint authentication during UTME?
Drop your thoughts below. 👇
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) says it is working with the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) to introduce a system that will verify candidates using their faces during examinations.
How Will It Work?
According to JAMB, cameras available at Computer-Based Test (CBT) centres will capture candidates’ live facial images during the examination.
The images will then be sent through a dedicated application to NIMC, where they will be matched against the candidate’s identity records.
A confirmation code will indicate whether the candidate’s identity has been successfully verified.
The interesting part? No fingerprint scanner or physical contact would be required.
JAMB says the technology can work with standard cameras already found on smartphones, tablets and computers, meaning CBT centres may not need specialised equipment.
Why Is JAMB Introducing It?
JAMB explained that fingerprint authentication has sometimes caused problems when candidates have wet, dirty or worn-out fingers, leading to failed biometric verification and unnecessary anxiety on examination day.
The Board says facial verification can be completed in less than a second under suitable conditions.
It also believes the contactless system could:
✅ Reduce impersonation during UTME
✅ Minimise biometric verification failures
✅ Reduce examination malpractice
✅ Limit the need to reschedule candidates because of biometric issues
✅ Reduce physical contact with devices at CBT centres
Will Fingerprint Verification Stop Immediately?
No.
JAMB says the existing 10-fingerprint biometric system will continue in the short term while facial verification is gradually introduced.
The Board indicated that within the next two to three years, facial verification could eventually replace fingerprint authentication and even One-Time Passwords (OTPs).
The initiative is part of the reforms being introduced under JAMB’s new Registrar, Professor Segun Aina, as the Board continues to increase its use of technology in the UTME.
What do you think about this new system?
Would you prefer facial verification or fingerprint authentication during UTME?
Drop your thoughts below. 👇
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