By Joseph Erunke
AS the 2019 Universal Tertiary Matriculation Examination, UTME, begins from Thursday, April 11,Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, JAMB, has said biometric verification would be the only mode of allowing candidates into examination centres.
To this effect, the board, which made its position known in its weekly bulletin made available to newsmen, yesterday, appealed to examination officials and candidates to take note before they find themselves to blame.
“Biometric verification will be the only mode for the admittance of candidates into the examination centre.
“Exemption mode is not allowed for any candidate. Therefore, no biometric verification,no examination,” the board warned.
In the bulletin, JAMB also warned officials that “no candidate should be kept waiting if he or she cannot be verified, saying such candidate should be directed to contact JAMB.
He added: “There is no other attendance register apart from the biometric verification. Biometric verification will also serve as attendance register during examination.
“Photo albums will only carry pictures with no marking points for either Present or Absent. All examination officials, including the security agents are to ensure compliance with all guidelines, rules and regulations on the examination.
“Strict adherence to the guide on compulsory biometric verification of every candidate is required.’’
Recall that JAMB had explained earlier that the introduction of Biometric Verification Machine, BVM, was one of its attempts “to get rid of all forms of malpractice in the conduct of its UTME.
“It is a security mechanism used for authentication of candidates’ identification as it provides access to individual’s data based on physiological characteristics.
“The core value of a biometric verification process lies in its ability to provide extra layers of security and protection against counterfeiting and impersonation.”