REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL (RFP)
PROJECT TITLE: DESIGN, DEVELOPMENT, DEPLOYMENT, HOSTING, AND MAINTENANCE OF A ROBUST ONLINE STUDENT PORTAL.
RFP REFERENCE NUMBER: JUPEB/ICT/2026/004
ISSUE DATE: APRIL 15, 2026
SUBMISSION DEADLINE: MAY 15, 2026 | 12:00 PM (WAT)
1. Introduction & Background
The JOINT UNIVERSITIES PRELIMINARY EXAMINATIONS BOARD (JUPEB), based in Lagos, Nigeria, is the national body responsible for high-stakes standardized testing. JUPEB is evolving its digital infrastructure into an integrated ecosystem that supports remote candidate enrollment and seamless data sharing with partner institutions.
The objective of this RFP is to solicit proposals for a unified platform that includes a web portal, an integrated mobile app with remote biometrics, and a centralized Middleware API Gateway to facilitate secure student data collection by higher institutions.
2. Scope of Work (SOW)
2.1 Candidate Registration & Mobile Ecosystem
* Web & Mobile Portal: Responsive registration interface for profile management and subject selection.
* Mobile App Integration: Development of registration modules for integration into the existing JUPEB Class Attendance App.
* Remote Biometric Capture: Secure, AI-driven facial liveness detection and fingerprint capture via mobile sensors, synchronized with NIMC (NIN) data.
2.2 JUPEB Middleware & API Gateway
* Development of JUPEB Middleware: A secure, high-performance middle-tier architecture that abstracts the core database from external queries.
* API Provisioning for Higher Institutions: RESTful/GraphQL APIs that allow authorized universities to:
* Retrieve verified candidate biodata and examination results.
* Validate candidate authenticity using unique JUPEB IDs.
* Perform bulk data pulls for admission processing.
* API Management Dashboard: Tools for JUPEB to issue, revoke, and monitor API keys/tokens for third-party institutions.
* Rate Limiting & Security: Throttling and encryption to ensure API availability and data privacy.
2.3 Administrative & Financial Modules
* Admin Console: Management of exam cycles, candidate lifecycles, and institutional access.
* Institutional Portal: Bulk uploads and internal student validation for higher institutions.
* Financial Management: Integrated payment via Remita/Interswitch/Paystack/Flutterwave, featuring real-time reconciliation and institutional wallets.
2.4 Infrastructure & Security
* Cloud Hosting: 99.9% uptime with auto-scaling to support both registration peaks and high-volume API requests from universities.
* Compliance: Full adherence to the Nigeria Data Protection Act (NDPA) and NITDA guidelines.
3. Technical Requirements
* **Feature:** API Architecture | **Requirement Specification:** Secure REST/GraphQL with OAuth2.0 authentication for higher institutions.
* **Feature:** Mobile Integration | **Requirement Specification:** Full compatibility with the existing JUPEB Attendance App (iOS/Android).
* **Feature:** Remote Biometrics | **Requirement Specification:** Mobile-based AI liveness detection and NIMC API sync.
* **Feature:** Middleware Scalability | **Requirement Specification:** Capacity to handle 10,000+ API calls per minute during admission season.
* **Feature:** Financial Security | **Requirement Specification:** PCI DSS-certified gateway integration with automated T+1 settlement.
4. Eligibility & Qualification Criteria
Bidding firms must provide:
1. Statutory Documents: CAC Incorporation, 3-year Tax Clearance and PENCOM Compliance Certificate, and NITDA/CPN registration.
2. Middleware Expertise: Evidence of building secure API Gateways or Middleware for data exchange between government or corporate entities.
3. Mobile & Biometric Experience: Proven track record in remote identity verification.
4. Financial Capability: Audited financial statements for the last three years.
5. Technical Capability: Proof of similar projects successfully executed (at least 2–3 portals or large-scale web applications, preferably in education/examination sector — attach reference letters or completion certificates).
5. Proposal Structure
Part A: Technical Proposal
* Detailed methodology for Middleware development and API security.
* Architecture diagram illustrating the flow between the Portal, Mobile App, Middleware, and Higher Institutions.
* Project timeline and profiles of the API Lead and Security Architect.
Part B: Financial Proposal
* Itemized costs for Portal development, App integration, Middleware construction, and annual API maintenance.
6. Evaluation Criteria
* Middleware & API Design Strategy: 30%
* Mobile & Biometric Technical Approach: 30%
* Experience in Large-scale Data Interoperability: 25%
* Financial Competitiveness: 15%
7. Submission Instructions
Deliver hard copy and a digital flash drive to:
The Registrar,
Joint Universities Preliminary Examinations Board (JUPEB),
7/9 Shiro Street, Fadeyi, Lagos, Nigeria
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