JAMB Intervenes in Alleged Hijab Incident at Ibadan CBT Centre
Last update: April 16, 2026
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JAMB boss reaffirms religious rights during the ongoing UTME.
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has moved swiftly to address an incident at the Esther Oshikoya Computer-Based Test (CBT) Centre in Ibadan, where an ad hoc staff member reportedly asked a female candidate wearing a hijab to remove or alter her attire during the screening process for the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).
According to a statement from the Board, the matter came to its attention through its monitoring mechanisms during the first session of the examination on Thursday, April 16. It said JAMB officials immediately intervened by calling the overzealous ad hoc staff member to order and issuing clear directives that no candidate should be required to remove or modify their hijab.
JAMB clarified that the action was not sanctioned by the centre nor part of any official protocol. “This act was neither perpetrated by the centre nor part of its official protocol. Rather, it was the action of an overzealous ad hoc staff member who failed to adhere to the Board’s established guidelines regarding candidates’ religious attire,” the statement read.
CBI News reports that the Board emphasised that such conduct contravenes its screening procedures and reiterated its commitment to respecting the religious beliefs and customs of all Nigerians. “JAMB categorically affirms that such actions are not in line with its screening procedures.
The Board respects the religious beliefs and customs of all Nigerians and has addressed the situation promptly and appropriately,” it added.
JAMB further assured all candidates, irrespective of faith, that the right to religious expression, including dressing, remains a fundamental aspect of its policy.
“We assure all candidates, regardless of faith, that their rights to religious expression including dressing remain a cornerstone of our policy.”
In response to the incident, the Board has reinforced its guidelines by briefing and reminding all ad hoc staff across examination centres of the approved procedures for screening candidates.
The incident, which was captured on video and circulated widely on social media, had sparked public concern and discussions about religious freedom during national examinations.
JAMB’s prompt intervention appears to preventing any recurrence and maintaining the integrity and inclusivity of the UTME process.
