The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, JAMB, has announced plans to introduce facial verification technology for candidates sitting the 2027 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination, UTME.  

According to JAMB, this new system is designed to completely eliminate impersonation, multiple registrations, and other forms of exam malpractice that have plagued the UTME over the years.  

If implemented, 2027 UTME candidates will be required to verify their identity with their face before they can access the exam hall and even during the exam.

What is Facial Verification in JAMB UTME?

Facial verification is a biometric technology that uses a candidate’s facial features to confirm their identity.  

Instead of relying only on fingerprints and NIN, JAMB will capture and store each candidate’s facial data during registration.  

On exam day, candidates will be made to face a camera at the CBT center. The system will instantly match their live face with the one captured during registration before they are allowed to log in.

Why is JAMB Introducing This in 2027?

JAMB Registrar, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, explained that the move is part of efforts to make the UTME more secure and credible.  

The major reasons include:

1.  To stop impersonation: Cases where people write UTME for others will be blocked because the system will reject any face that doesn’t match.

2.  To prevent multiple registrations: One person will not be able to register more than once with different details.

3.  To strengthen exam integrity: With facial verification, CBT centers will have tighter control over who enters and writes the exam.

4.  To align with global best practices: Many international exams like IELTS and TOEFL already use facial recognition.

How Will It Work for 2027 UTME Candidates?

Here’s what candidates should expect:

1.  During Registration: Your facial image will be captured alongside your fingerprints and NIN. This becomes your official JAMB facial record.

2.  At the CBT Center: On getting to the exam hall, you will go through facial scanning before your details are called up on the computer.

3.  During the Exam: Random facial checks may be done to confirm that the same person is still writing the exam.

4.  No Match = No Entry: If your face does not match the one on JAMB’s database, you will not be allowed to write the exam.

Benefits of Facial Verification for Candidates

1.  More fairness: Your result will truly be yours. No one can write the exam for you.

2.  Faster verification: It reduces queues and delays at CBT centers.

3.  Reduced malpractice: Exam fraud and "runs" will become almost impossible.

4.  Better record keeping: Your JAMB record will be more secure and harder to forge.

Possible Challenges to Note

While the plan is good, candidates and parents have raised some concerns:

1.  Technical issues: Poor cameras or network problems at CBT centers could cause delays.

2.  Data privacy: Candidates will want to know how JAMB will protect their facial data.

3.  Awareness: Many students in rural areas may not be familiar with the technology.

JAMB has assured that all CBT centers will be upgraded and candidates will be properly sensitized before 2027.

What 2027 UTME Candidates Should Do Now

1.  Ensure your NIN is correct - JAMB will likely link facial data to NIN.

2.  Avoid multiple registrations - It will be detected instantly.

3.  Go for registration early - So there’s no rush or error with your biometric capture.

4.  Stay updated - Follow EduXpress Blog and JAMB’s official channels for updates.

Conclusion

The introduction of facial verification for the 2027 UTME shows that JAMB is serious about ending exam malpractice in Nigeria.  

While it may feel new, it is aimed at protecting genuine candidates and making admission more transparent.

As a candidate, start preparing now. Your face will be your exam ID in 2027.

What do you think about JAMB’s new plan? Drop your opinion in the comments and share this with other 2027 aspirants.