Allegations of hijab restriction at Ibadan JAMB center raise concerns
via Punch Nigeria1 min read
A video shared on X by user Alfa Shehu, reportedly recorded at the Esther Oshikoya Computer-Based Test Centre in Ibadan, Oyo State, shows a female candidate removing her hijab before entering the examination premises for the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination. The user alleged that candidates wearing hijabs were being asked to remove them, claiming this violates constitutional rights and JAMB's guidelines. The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board has not yet issued an official statement. However, the Muslim Students’ Society of Nigeria, Akinyele Area Council, stated that a security personnel at the center initially prevented a candidate from entering while wearing a hijab. The group added that the official has been questioned and affected candidates have since been allowed to sit for the examination, with JAMB officials now managing the situation at the center. The UTME began nationwide on Thursday, with over two million candidates expected to participate.
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