The proposed system is expected to complement the existing fingerprint verification system initially, before eventually replacing fingerprints and the use of One-Time Passwords (OTP) as part of the Board’s long-term biometric verification strategy.
What Is Facial Biometric Verification?
Facial Biometric Verification is a technology that uses the unique features of an individual’s face to confirm their identity.
Unlike traditional biometric methods such as fingerprint scanning or iris recognition, facial verification does not require physical contact with a scanning device. Instead, a camera captures the candidate’s face and compares it with the individual’s existing identity records.
For JAMB, the technology is expected to provide a faster and more convenient way of verifying candidates before and during the UTME.
JAMB To Partner With NIMC
To implement the new verification system, JAMB is expected to collaborate with the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC).
Under the proposed arrangement, candidates intending to sit for the UTME would undergo live facial verification through an application. The verification result would then be forwarded to NIMC, which would return a verification code to JAMB indicating whether the candidate’s identity claim has been confirmed or rejected.
This is expected to strengthen the connection between candidates' identities and their examination records while making impersonation more difficult.
Fingerprint Verification Will Still Be Used Initially
Although facial verification is being introduced, JAMB is not immediately abandoning its existing biometric system.
The Board is expected to retain its ten-fingerprint verification format alongside live facial verification during the transition period.
However, the long-term plan is for facial verification to eventually replace OTP-based verification, while fingerprint verification could be phased out within the next two to three years.
JAMB is also expected to put measures in place to ensure that accredited Computer-Based Test (CBT) centres have appropriate CCTV cameras and that personnel receive the necessary training to operate under the new verification system.
No Physical Contact Required
One of the major advantages of facial biometric verification is that candidates will not need to physically touch a scanner.
Unlike fingerprint verification, where candidates place their fingers directly on a scanning pad, facial verification simply requires the candidate to look at a camera.
The process is expected to take less than a second in normal circumstances, making it potentially faster and more convenient for candidates and examination officials.
Standard Cameras Can Be Used
Another advantage of the proposed system is that it does not necessarily require specialised biometric hardware.
The technology can work with standard user-facing cameras already available on smartphones, tablets and computers, unlike dedicated fingerprint or retinal scanning equipment.
This could make the technology easier to deploy across different locations and examination environments, subject to JAMB's technical requirements.
Could Reduce Fingerprint Verification Problems
Fingerprint verification has occasionally presented challenges for candidates whose fingerprints cannot be properly captured.
Factors such as damaged, wet, dirty, greasy or worn fingerprints can affect the ability of fingerprint scanners to successfully verify an individual.
For candidates whose fingers have experienced significant wear due to the nature of their work, these difficulties can result in failed verification, anxiety and frustration, and may sometimes contribute to disputes at examination centres.
The introduction of facial verification is therefore expected to provide an alternative method of authenticating candidates when fingerprint verification becomes problematic.
Could Reduce Cases of Unverifiable Candidates
With live facial verification, JAMB expects to reduce the number of candidates who cannot be successfully verified through the existing biometric process.
If effectively implemented, the system could also reduce situations where candidates have to face delays or examination rescheduling because their biometric information could not be verified.
This could make the examination process smoother for both candidates and officials.
Improved UTME Examination Security
Facial biometric verification could also strengthen examination security.
By linking a candidate's physical identity with their examination records, the technology can provide another layer of protection against impersonation and other forms of examination malpractice.
The introduction of additional biometric authentication could therefore make it more difficult for an individual to sit for the examination on behalf of another candidate.
Touchless Verification Could Improve Hygiene
Because facial verification does not require candidates to touch a common scanning surface, it also offers a potential hygiene advantage.
A touchless verification process could reduce the amount of physical contact between candidates and shared biometric devices, particularly in busy CBT centres where many candidates are being verified within a short period.
What 2027 UTME Candidates Should Know
Candidates preparing for the 2027 UTME should pay attention to further announcements from JAMB regarding the implementation of facial biometric verification.
The introduction of FBV does not mean candidates should ignore existing registration and biometric requirements. Until JAMB officially announces otherwise, candidates should continue to follow all instructions provided by the Board regarding UTME registration, biometric capture, identity verification and examination procedures.
If successfully implemented, facial verification could represent a major shift in how candidates are authenticated during JAMB examinations, with the possibility of eventually moving the UTME away from fingerprint-based verification to a faster, contactless facial recognition system.
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