‘I was born without fingerprint’ – Nigerian lady recalls JAMB, bank biometric issues

A Nigerian woman who was born without fingerprints has described the challenges she faces with biometric identification systems in the country, highlighting the difficulties she encountered during key life events such as Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) registration, the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) programme and banking transactions. The woman, known online as J for Jidds, shared her story in a video posted on Instagram, revealing how her condition has impacted her daily life and interactions with government and financial institutions. Jidds discovered she lacked fingerprints in 2017 while attempting to register for her first JAMB examination. What began as a routine procedure quickly turned into a stressful ordeal as officials struggled to capture her fingerprints. She spent the entire day at the registration center with her father, watching over 200 people go through the process before her. Officials resorted to unconventional methods to make her fingerprints readable, including applying sand, spirit, methylated spirit, chalk and even watermelon to her hands. In one instance, she had to rub her hand against a stone to create enough texture for the scanner to work. Eventually, she managed to register, though the experience left her emotionally drained. The challenges persisted beyond registration. During the actual examination, Jidds faced repeated issues with the biometric system, which sometimes recognized her fingerprints upon entry but failed to authenticate them when she attempted to exit. This inconsistency caused frustration and anxiety, as she often found herself stuck in limbo between being allowed in and being denied access. The same problems followed her into other areas of life, including banking transactions and participation in the NYSC programme. For instance, during her NYSC service, she was required to use her foot for biometric verification due to the faint ridges on her toes, further complicating her ability to comply with institutional requirements. Jidds also recounted instances of misunderstanding and stigma associated with her condition. Some individuals mistakenly believed she was involved in rituals or superstitions, calling her names like “ritualist” or suggesting she carried “too much hot things.” These misconceptions added to the emotional burden she carries, making everyday interactions more challenging. However, her openness about her condition helped connect her with others facing similar issues. When she jokingly posted about her situation on Instagram, nearly a hundred people reached out to share their own experiences, indicating that her condition is not unique in Nigeria. In identifying her condition, Jidds explained that it is known as adermatoglyphia, a rare disorder characterized by the absence or severe reduction of fingerprints, along with the lack of ridges on the palms, soles of the feet, and toes. According to MedlinePlus, a resource maintained by the U.S. National Library of Medicine, adermatoglyphia results from genetic mutations that interfere with the formation of typical skin patterns. This condition renders traditional fingerprint scanners ineffective, forcing individuals to rely on alternative methods for verification. While some cases may include additional symptoms such as reduced sweating, the primary impact is the complete or near-complete absence of fingerprints. Jidds expressed bewilderment at the lack of institutional support for individuals with her condition. Despite awareness of the issue, she questioned why there are no clear provisions or accommodations for people like her. Her post sparked discussions among users, with some sharing their own struggles with biometric systems. One user, #ugothegogo, described similar difficulties at an embassy and during NYSC, while another inquired whether toe prints could serve as an alternative. Jidds responded that the ridges on her toes were too faint to be useful, reinforcing the limitations she faces. As conversations around biometric technology continue to evolve, Jidds' story highlights the real-world implications of systemic design choices that fail to account for diverse human conditions. Her experience underscores the need for more inclusive approaches to identity verification that consider variations in physical characteristics. While her journey has been marked by hardship, it has also brought visibility to a rare condition and inspired others to seek solutions and support.