JAMB Clarifies: Hijab Incident Not Part of Official Exam Protocol

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has addressed the recent hijab incident reported at the Esther Oshikoya Computer-Based Test (CBT) Centre in Ibadan, stating that the situation was not part of its official examination protocol.

In a statement released in Abuja on Thursday, JAMB’s Public Communication Adviser, Fabian Benjamin, clarified that the board had immediately intervened after learning about the incident through its monitoring systems during the screening of candidates for the first session of the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).

Benjamin explained that the issue arose when an overzealous ad hoc staff member instructed a candidate wearing a hijab to remove or alter it during screening. JAMB swiftly addressed the situation, calling the staff member to order and emphasizing that no candidate should be forced to remove or modify religious attire, including the hijab, during the examination process.

The spokesperson stressed that this action was neither authorized by the CBT centre nor condoned by JAMB. He assured the public that JAMB respects the religious beliefs and cultural practices of all Nigerians and that this matter had been handled appropriately.

Benjamin further stated, “We assure all candidates, regardless of their faith, that their rights to religious expression, including dressing, remain a cornerstone of our policy.” He emphasized that JAMB’s policy framework protects candidates’ rights to religious expression, including their choice of attire.

In addition, Benjamin confirmed that all ad hoc personnel involved in the examination process have been reminded of the guidelines and procedures for candidates’ screening at all CBT centres. JAMB reaffirmed its commitment to conducting a fair, inclusive, and smooth UTME for all candidates nationwide.