The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has distanced itself from an alleged hijab discrimination incident at the Esther Oshikoya Computer-Based Test (CBT) Centre in Ibadan, stressing that such actions are not part of its official examination procedures.
In a statement issued on Thursday in Abuja, the board’s Public Communication Adviser, Fabian Benjamin, disclosed that JAMB became aware of the development through its monitoring systems during the ongoing Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).
According to him, the board acted swiftly upon detecting the incident, immediately cautioning the ad hoc staff member involved and directing that no candidate wearing a hijab should be asked to remove or modify it during the screening process.
Benjamin clarified that the action was neither carried out by the CBT centre as an institution nor approved by JAMB. He attributed the incident to an overzealous official who failed to adhere to established guidelines regarding candidates’ religious attire.
He reaffirmed the board’s commitment to upholding the rights of all candidates, noting that respect for religious beliefs and cultural practices remains central to JAMB’s policy framework.
“The Board respects the religious beliefs and customs of all Nigerians and has addressed the situation promptly and appropriately,” he said.
JAMB further assured candidates nationwide that their right to religious expression, including approved forms of dressing, would be fully protected throughout the examination process.
“For the avoidance of doubt, all ad hoc personnel have been further briefed and reminded of the approved procedures guiding candidates’ screening at all centres,” Benjamin added.
The board reiterated its resolve to ensure a fair, inclusive, and seamless conduct of the UTME across the country.
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