The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has clarified an incident that occurred at the Esther Oshikoya Computer-Based Test (CBT) Centre in Ibadan during the ongoing Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) screening.
The Board said its monitoring system flagged the issue during the first session on Thursday, April 16, prompting immediate intervention. JAMB directed the ad hoc official involved to adhere strictly to its established guidelines.
According to the Board, the official had incorrectly instructed a candidate to remove or adjust her hijab, an action it emphasised is not part of its approved screening procedures.
“The Board promptly intervened by calling the ad hoc official involved to order and issuing immediate instructions that no candidate wearing a hijab should be asked to remove or alter it,” the statement said.
JAMB clarified that the incident did not reflect the centre’s official policy, describing it instead as the action of an “overzealous ad hoc staff member” who failed to comply with guidelines on candidates’ religious attire.
Reaffirming its commitment to protecting religious freedom, the Board stressed that all candidates are entitled to equal treatment.
“The Board respects the religious beliefs and customs of all Nigerians and has addressed the situation promptly and appropriately,” it added.
JAMB further noted that candidates’ rights to religious expression, including their mode of dressing, remain protected under its policy framework.
To prevent a recurrence, the Board disclosed that all ad hoc staff across CBT centres have been rebriefed on approved screening procedures.
“For the avoidance of doubt, all ad hoc staff have been further briefed and reminded of the approved procedures for screening candidates at all centres,” the statement said.
JAMB spokesperson, Fabian Benjamin, reiterated the Board’s commitment to ensuring fairness, discipline, and inclusivity throughout the examination process.
