JAMB Introduces Pre-Registration App, Strengthens Biometric Checks For 2027 UTME
By Alice Etuka, Abuja
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) is set to introduce a pre-registration mobile application and enhanced biometric verification ahead of the 2027 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) to improve candidates’ registration experience and curb examination malpractice.
The Registrar of JAMB, Prof. Segun Aina, disclosed this on Saturday in Abuja after a five-kilometre walk organised for the board’s staff as part of preparations for the 2027 UTME.
Aina explained that the proposed application would enable prospective candidates to begin their registration process from the comfort of their homes by retrieving their personal information from the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC).
He said candidates would be able to provide their biodata, select preferred examination subjects, courses and institutions before completing the formal registration process.
According to him, the application would also provide additional academic guidance to candidates, including information on the previous year’s entry requirements for their preferred courses.
He said the information would help candidates make informed decisions when selecting courses and institutions based on their academic abilities.
“There are a lot of innovations that are coming up. Now we are rolling out what we are calling a pre-registration application.
“It’s a mobile application that allows you, from the comfort of your own home, to get your details from NIMC, register with your biodata, select your subjects, your courses, your institution,” he said.
The registrar added that the initiative would significantly reduce the time candidates spend at registration centres, particularly during biometric capture.
He also disclosed that JAMB would introduce a system that automatically prevents candidates from selecting incorrect subject combinations for their intended courses of study.
Aina explained that under the proposed arrangement, candidates would not be able to proceed with their applications if their selected subjects did not meet the requirements of their chosen courses.
On examination security, the registrar said the board would strengthen biometric verification during the actual examination to prevent impersonation, malpractice and other irregularities.
He noted that although JAMB had made certain concessions to reduce the difficulties candidates experience when correcting their biodata, the board would introduce stricter verification measures at examination centres to protect the integrity of the UTME.
“We have given up some ground and made some concessions to reduce trauma for the candidates in terms of being able to change their biodata and things like that.
“And in exchange for that, we will be applying enhanced checks at the point of the examination to make sure that we protect the integrity of the system,” he said.
The registrar further announced plans to introduce a reporting feature that would allow candidates to flag examination questions they consider faulty during the test.
He said information gathered through the feature would be reviewed by the board to determine whether reported questions contained errors and ensure that candidates were assessed fairly.
Aina also disclosed that candidates would have the opportunity to rate their experiences at Computer-Based Test (CBT) centres after completing their examinations.
He said the feedback mechanism would help JAMB assess the performance of its private-sector partners and ensure that CBT centres continued to operate according to the board’s required standards.
The registrar commended the centres for their support since the introduction of computer-based testing more than a decade ago, adding that JAMB would continue to work with them while maintaining strict quality standards.
He said the planned initiatives were part of several technology-driven improvements the board was developing to make the 2027 UTME more convenient, transparent and credible.
