INEC offers JAMB biometric technology

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The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has offered to assist the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) with biometric verification technology.

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INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, made the offer on Friday when JAMB Registrar, Prof. Segun Aina, led his management team on a courtesy visit.

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Amupitan commended JAMB’s statutory responsibilities, describing the board as central to national development and the advancement of Nigerian youths.

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He said INEC’s recent elections demonstrated its growing technological capacity and cited the Anambra and Ekiti governorship polls.

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He also mentioned the Osun governorship election, FCT Area Council election and various by-elections conducted across the country.

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According to him, observers, including the Office of the National Security Adviser and UK High Commission, commended the elections’ credibility and peaceful conduct.

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Amupitan directed INEC’s Director of Information and Communications Technology (ICT) to review JAMB’s request through a proof-of-concept assessment.

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He said the assessment would determine the availability and suitability of INEC’s biometric verification equipment for possible deployment by JAMB.

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The INEC chairman described the visit as evidence of growing synergy among government agencies and stressed collaboration for national development.

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He assured the delegation that the commission would explore further areas of cooperation with JAMB.

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Earlier, Aina said JAMB approached INEC as a sister agency with proven experience in biometric verification technology.

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He said the board sought to strengthen the integrity of its examination processes through improved biometric verification systems.

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Aina said JAMB understood that INEC had biometric verification machines that might no longer be actively deployed.

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He appealed to the commission to consider making the equipment available to support JAMB’s efforts to enhance its verification systems.

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Aina appreciated the INEC chairman and management for the warm reception accorded his delegation.

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INEC National Commissioner for Outreach and Partnerships, Prof. Abdullahi Abdu-Zuru; INEC Chairman’s Chief Press Secretary, Adedayo Oketola; and other officials also attended the meeting. (NAN)

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