Woman shares challenges living without fingerprints in Nigeria
A Nigerian woman known as J for Jidds has opened up about her struggles with biometric identification due to being born without fingerprints. She described the difficulties she faced during processes like JAMB registration, NYSC, and banking. Her story resonated with others who have similar conditions, sparking a conversation about the lack of support for people with adermatoglyphia. Medical professionals have suggested ways to seek exemptions for those affected.
Highlights
- J for Jidds discovered she had no fingerprints while registering for her first JAMB exam and spent hours at the center because officials couldn't capture her prints.
- She faced ongoing problems with biometric systems during JAMB, NYSC, and banking, sometimes needing to use her foot for authentication.
- The condition, called adermatoglyphia, means the skin lacks the ridges needed for fingerprint scanners to work.
- Other Nigerians with the same issue shared their own struggles, especially with official processes requiring biometrics.
- Dermatologist Dr Folakemi Cole-Adeife advised that people with this condition can get medical confirmation and request exemption letters from fingerprint requirements.
