The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board has pushed back against allegations of religious discrimination, insisting that no candidate is compelled to remove a hijab during registration.
The reaction followed an online video alleging that a female candidate was asked to take off her hijab before biometric capture at Afe Babalola University, Ekiti State.
In the viral clip, a man claimed his sister was instructed to remove her hijab and later asked to sign a written undertaking. “Are Muslims now being discriminated against for wearing hijabs?” he asked.
Responding directly to the claims, JAMB described the narrative as misleading.
“Thank you for your concern. However, it is important to state clearly that the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, whether in the past or present, has never issued any directive prohibiting candidates from wearing the hijab,” the board said.
It stressed that the issue in question revolved around biometric capture standards, not religious expression.
According to the board, candidates are required to ensure both ears are visible during photo capture to guarantee accurate identification.
It described the procedure as consistent with global best practices used for passports and visa applications.
“This requirement is purely technical and is intended to ensure that proper facial recognition and identification do not require the candidate to remove her hijab,” JAMB explained.
The board added that the rule does not mandate removal of the hijab itself.
“For clarity, candidates are not required to remove their hijab. The simple requirement is that the ears be visible during photo capture, which can be done without removing the hijab itself.”
On the reported undertaking, JAMB said the candidate was asked to document her personal choice not to comply with the ear visibility guideline.
“She was requested to formally state in writing that she personally chose not to comply with the guideline regarding ear visibility, so that the record would accurately reflect the circumstances and prevent future misrepresentation,” the board stated.
It noted that the candidate was eventually captured after the process was concluded.
The board also reminded candidates that registration for the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination is ongoing and will close on February 28.
Direct Entry registration is scheduled to begin on March 2 and end on April 25, with officials assuring the public of orderly conduct nationwide.
JAMB urged Nigerians to seek clarification before drawing conclusions, maintaining that it remains committed to fairness and respect for all religious beliefs.
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