The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has reaffirmed that candidates are permitted to wear hijab into examination halls, following an incident at the Esther Oshikoya Computer-Based Test (CBT) Centre in Ibadan.

The clarification was made by JAMB’s public communication advisor, Dr Fabian Benjamin, on Thursday in Abuja, in response to concerns over alleged discrimination during the screening process at the centre.

According to the Board, the incident occurred during the screening exercise for the first session of the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) held on Thursday, April 16. JAMB explained that it swiftly intervened after observing that a candidate wearing a hijab was asked to remove or adjust it.

The Board emphasised that the action was not part of its official policy nor the standard operating procedures for accredited Computer-Based Test (CBT) centres. It clarified that the directive came from an overzealous ad hoc staff member who failed to adhere to established guidelines on candidates’ religious attire.

JAMB stated that the official involved has been cautioned, while immediate instructions were issued to ensure that no candidate wearing a hijab is subjected to such treatment going forward.

“The Board wishes to state clearly that this act was neither perpetrated by the centre nor part of its official protocol,” the statement noted.

Reiterating its commitment to inclusivity, JAMB stressed that it respects the religious beliefs and cultural practices of all Nigerians, adding that candidates’ rights to express their faith through dressing remain a fundamental aspect of its policy framework.

The examination body further disclosed that all ad hoc staff across centres nationwide have been rebriefed and reminded of the approved screening procedures to prevent a recurrence of such incidents.

JAMB assured candidates and stakeholders that it remains committed to conducting a fair, transparent and inclusive examination process for all, regardless of religious background. (Nigerian Tribune)