By Our Correspondent
In response to the controversy surrounding the use of hijabs during the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has issued a statement addressing the incident that occurred at an examination center in Ibadan. JAMB has clarified that the issue was caused by the actions of “overzealous” ad-hoc staff and reiterated its commitment to ensuring that all candidates are treated fairly and in accordance with the official guidelines.
The incident, which took place at one of the UTME centers in Ibadan, involved a female candidate who was reportedly barred from entering the examination hall due to her wearing a hijab, a piece of religious attire. This action raised concerns from various quarters, especially religious organizations and advocacy groups, who saw it as a violation of the candidate’s right to freely practice her religion.
The incident quickly gained attention on social media, with many people expressing frustration over what they perceived as an unnecessary restriction on religious freedom. Many questioned the consistency of JAMB’s guidelines on attire, particularly when it comes to religious symbols like the hijab.
In its official response, JAMB explained that the actions of the ad-hoc staff were not in line with the board’s official policies. According to JAMB, the staff member involved acted without proper consideration of the established rules governing the examination. The board attributed the mishap to the staff being “overzealous” in enforcing the regulations.
JAMB emphasized that there is no restriction on the wearing of religious attire, including hijabs, as long as they do not obstruct the candidate’s ability to take the examination. The board reassured the public that such actions would not be tolerated, and corrective measures would be taken to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
While JAMB clarified its position on the issue, it also used the occasion to stress the importance of upholding religious freedoms within the context of national examinations. The board reiterated that all candidates are expected to comply with the dress code, but this should never come at the cost of infringing upon their fundamental rights.
“This unfortunate incident serves as a reminder of the importance of ensuring that examination procedures are carried out with respect for all candidates, regardless of their religious or cultural practices,” JAMB stated.
Following the public outcry, JAMB has vowed to conduct further training for its ad-hoc staff to ensure they fully understand and adhere to the board’s guidelines. The board has also promised to monitor the enforcement of its dress code policies more closely to prevent similar incidents from arising.
Religious groups, particularly Muslim organizations, have called for the continuous respect of religious rights in educational settings. They have welcomed JAMB’s clarification but urged the board to implement more explicit measures to safeguard the rights of students wearing religious attire.
As the UTME 2026 continues, JAMB has expressed its commitment to ensuring a fair and respectful environment for all candidates, emphasizing that the focus of the examination is on the students’ academic abilities rather than their personal or religious expressions.
This incident highlights the ongoing debate in Nigeria about the balance between personal freedoms and institutional regulations, especially in contexts where religious symbols intersect with national policies. It remains to be seen whether this controversy will lead to more protections for candidates’ rights in future exams.
