The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) is set to introduce facial biometric verification for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), with fingerprint authentication to be phased out over the next two to three years.
The move is aimed at tackling impersonation, examination malpractice and repeated fingerprint verification failures among candidates.
JAMB said the new system would be implemented with the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC). Candidates will have their faces scanned live through an application, with the result sent to NIMC for authentication.
NIMC will then send a code back to JAMB, confirming or rejecting the candidate’s identity.
During the transition, the existing 10-fingerprint system will work alongside facial verification. JAMB said facial verification will eventually replace One-Time Password, while fingerprints will be gradually removed.
The Board said accredited Computer-Based Test centres will be equipped with suitable Closed-Circuit Television cameras, while staff will receive training.
JAMB explained that facial verification is touchless and can work with standard smartphone, tablet and computer cameras. It can also complete identification in less than a second.
The Board said fingerprint checks can fail when candidates’ fingers are damaged, wet, dirty, greasy or worn from manual work.
Such failures have caused frustration, anxiety, anger and violence, with some examinations rescheduled.
JAMB said facial verification would make impersonation harder, reduce unverified candidates and limit contact with shared biometric equipment.
