The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) is set to introduce facial biometric verification for candidates sitting the 2027 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) as part of efforts to strengthen candidate identification and curb examination impersonation.
The new system, known as Facial Biometric Verification (FBV), is expected to work alongside JAMB’s existing fingerprint authentication system as the Board begins a gradual transition towards facial recognition.
JAMB disclosed the development in its weekly bulletin, explaining that the facial verification system would be implemented in collaboration with the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC).
Under the proposed arrangement, candidates’ faces will be captured through a live facial recognition application. The information will then be transmitted to NIMC for authentication, with the identity agency expected to return a verification code to JAMB confirming or rejecting the candidate’s identity.
Why JAMB Is Introducing Facial Verification
The introduction of facial verification is aimed at addressing some of the challenges associated with fingerprint authentication, particularly cases where candidates experience difficulties during biometric verification.
JAMB noted that fingerprints can sometimes be difficult to capture or authenticate where candidates have wet, dirty, greasy, damaged or worn fingerprints.
Such challenges have occasionally resulted in delays, frustration and difficulties for candidates attempting to complete the verification process before examinations.
Facial recognition, being contactless, is expected to provide a faster and more convenient alternative.
According to JAMB, facial verification could take less than one second, potentially making the authentication process significantly quicker.
Fingerprints Will Not Disappear Immediately
Despite the introduction of facial verification, candidates should not expect JAMB to immediately abandon fingerprint authentication.
The Board said the existing 10-fingerprint verification system will initially remain in use alongside the new facial recognition technology.
JAMB plans to gradually phase out fingerprint verification over a period of approximately two to three years.
This means the 2027 UTME is expected to form part of the transition towards a system in which facial recognition plays a much greater role in confirming candidates’ identities.
JAMB, NIMC to Strengthen Identity Verification
The collaboration between JAMB and NIMC is expected to provide an additional layer of identity authentication for UTME candidates.
Rather than relying solely on physical biometric characteristics captured at CBT centres, the new system will enable JAMB to verify candidates against identity information held by the national identity management system.
The development is particularly significant in the fight against UTME impersonation, where another person attempts to sit an examination on behalf of a registered candidate.
CBT Centres to Prepare for New System
The introduction of facial verification will also require accredited CBT centres to make adjustments to their examination infrastructure.
JAMB said measures were being put in place to ensure that centres have appropriate CCTV cameras, while personnel would receive training on how to operate the new verification system.
The Board is expected to provide further details as preparations for the 2027 UTME progress.
What 2027 UTME Candidates Need to Know
Candidates preparing for the 2027 UTME should expect facial verification to become part of the identity authentication process.
However, the introduction of the technology does not mean candidates should disregard the existing fingerprint requirements.
JAMB is implementing the system gradually, with fingerprint verification expected to remain part of the process during the transition.
Candidates should therefore ensure that the personal information used during JAMB registration is accurate and consistent with their official identity records.
The planned introduction of facial verification represents a major technological shift in Nigeria’s university entrance examination system and could eventually make facial recognition the primary method of authenticating UTME candidates.
For the 2027 UTME, however, the key change will be the introduction of facial biometric verification alongside the existing fingerprint system, as JAMB begins its planned transition to a faster and more contactless identity verification process.
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