JAMB implements NIN for UTME registration to boost security

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has defended its decision to implement the use of the National Identity Number (NIN) for the 2021 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) registration. JAMB Registrar Prof. Is-haq Oloyede stated the move is intended to enhance security, prevent impersonation, and combat examination malpractice. The directive follows instructions from the Minister of Education, Mallam Adamu Adamu.

To facilitate the process, candidates are required to provide their NIN at registration centers. Oloyede noted that the board will use the NIN to retrieve candidate data, reducing the need for manual name entry. Additionally, candidates must use accessible SIM cards that have not been previously used for UTME registration. Discussions are ongoing with the Minister of Communication and Digital Economy, Dr. Isa Pantami, regarding potential waivers for candidates lacking SIM cards.

In a separate development, JAMB Registrar Prof. Segun Aina has urged staff to adapt service delivery to meet the evolving needs of Generation Z candidates. During visits to outstation offices, Aina emphasized the importance of professionalism, teamwork, and customer-oriented service to build public trust and improve the candidate experience.