IBADAN, Nigeria – The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has intervened in an alleged hijab discrimination incident at a Computer-Based Test (CBT) centre in Ibadan, reaffirming candidates’ rights to religious expression.
In a statement on Thursday, JAMB said the issue occurred during the ongoing Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) and was promptly addressed after being detected through its monitoring system.
The Board clarified that the action was carried out by an “overzealous” ad hoc staff member and not part of its official screening guidelines.
“No candidate wearing a hijab should be asked to remove or alter it,” the Board stated, stressing that respect for religious expression remains a core policy.
JAMB added that all ad hoc personnel have been re-briefed to ensure strict compliance with approved procedures nationwide.
The Board reassured candidates and parents that it remains committed to fairness, inclusivity and the protection of fundamental rights during examinations.
