JAMB Condemns Hijab Discrimination at Ibadan UTME CBT Centre, Vows Action
The Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has issued a strong response to a reported case of hijab discrimination at the Esther Oshikoya Computer-Based Test (CBT) Centre in Ibadan, Oyo State. The incident occurred on Thursday, April 16, 2026, during the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), where a female candidate was allegedly stopped from entering the centre and asked to remove her hijab.
JAMB's Immediate Intervention and Statement
In a statement released on the same day, Fabian Benjamin, the spokesperson for JAMB, clarified that the board promptly intervened upon learning of the situation. Benjamin explained that JAMB called the ad hoc official involved to order and issued immediate instructions that no candidate wearing a hijab should be asked to remove or alter it. He emphasized that the centre itself did not carry out the act, nor did JAMB issue such a directive. Instead, it was attributed to an overzealous ad hoc staff member who failed to adhere to JAMB's stipulated guidelines.
JAMB reiterated that the action was not in line with its screening guidelines and that the board respects the religious beliefs and customs of every Nigerian. The statement assured that the incident at the Ibadan CBT centre has been addressed promptly to prevent any recurrence.
Public Reactions and Calls for Accountability
Following the incident, Nigerians have expressed outrage and called for stricter measures to prevent such discrimination in the future. Below are some of the key reactions from the public:
- Sulaimon Ìdòwú argued that the ad hoc staff should be punished to serve as a deterrent, noting that such incidents have happened repeatedly over the years.
- Bilkis called for training and retraining of JAMB officials and ad hoc staff prior to exam dates to curb this yearly recurrence, highlighting the potential emotional impact on candidates.
- Spectator threatened to sue the ad hoc staff, requesting full details to initiate contempt of court proceedings.
- Akeem Akeem demanded stiff sanctions, including blacklisting the centre, to deter future acts of religious discrimination.
Background and Broader Implications
This incident highlights ongoing issues of religious discrimination in Nigeria's educational system, particularly during high-stakes exams like the UTME. JAMB has faced similar controversies in the past, prompting calls for systemic reforms. The board's swift response aims to uphold its commitment to inclusivity and fairness, but public pressure continues for more concrete actions, such as enhanced staff training and penalties for violations.
As Nigeria strives to balance security protocols with religious freedoms, this case serves as a reminder of the need for clear policies and consistent enforcement to protect candidates' rights. JAMB's handling of the matter will likely influence future guidelines and public trust in the examination process.
