PERCEPTIONS OF CANDIDATES AND SUPERVISORS ON THE USE OF BIOMETRIC FINGERPRINT TO CURB IMPERSONATION IN UNIFIED TERTIARY MATRICULATION EXAMINATIONS

Abstract

Examination fraud has significantly impaired the Nigerian educational system. The absence of a reliable identity verification mechanism has been recognized as the key fundamental problem. This poses a challenge in ascertaining the appropriate individuals to be present at specific locations and times. Hence, this research used the Federal College of Education (Special), Oyo as a case study to examine the application of biometrics in mitigating the occurrence of examination fraud in Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).  This study employed a descriptive survey design. A total of 250 respondents were selected at random from the pool of UTME candidates, CBT center employees, and supervisors. The data collected through self-designed questionnaires were analyzed using the chi-square test. The findings revealed a significant use of biometrics in detecting and preventing instances of examination impersonation in Nigerian institutions. The research findings showed that biometrics, as a technology of the new millennium, have a major impact on reducing impersonation in examination. Thus, the study recommended the continued use of biometric technology for authenticating UTME candidates upon their arrival at the examination venue.