Biometric authentication technology are being increasingly used for many applications. Since such technology requires high level human interaction, effective implementation and acceptability of such system depends on users' perception, particularly, in the area of system safety and privacy. This study was conducted using a survey design accomplished through the use of a descriptive rating, Likert‐type survey instrument. Quantitative data were collected from participants in four tertiary academic institutions and Statistical Package for Social Science version 23 was used for data analysis. The survey focuses on three universities and a polytechnic situated in Kaduna metropolis. Deliberate sampling technique was used in selecting the four academic institutions, stratified random sampling technique was used in administering the survey instrument to 50 respondents from each institutions. The survey sampled 200 participants. Result from the study revealed the importance of considering users' perception before the implementation of biometric system. Major factors that significantly influence perception in this study are users' knowledge of biometric system and gender. Furthermore, 99.5% of the respondents show that public enlightenment and formulation of appropriate legal guidelines to back the use of biometric information will instil confidence in users of biometric technology.