JAMB Launches Facial Verification for UTME Candidates

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) announced the introduction of Facial Biometric Verification (FBV) for candidates taking the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) to combat impersonation and examination malpractice. This initiative was reported in JAMB's weekly bulletin on August 31, 2026, and is part of ongoing reforms under the leadership of the new Registrar, Professor Segun Aina.

JAMB will collaborate with the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) to implement this verification process. Cameras at Computer-Based Test (CBT) centres will capture candidates' facial images, which will be sent to NIMC for identity confirmation.

The facial verification process is contactless and utilizes standard cameras, eliminating the need for specialized hardware. JAMB indicated that this system is faster than fingerprint scanning and aims to reduce the spread of germs in examination centres.

While the existing 10-fingerprint biometric format will remain in use temporarily, the facial verification system is expected to phase out fingerprint authentication over two to three years.