2026 UTME: Hijab allowed in all CBT centres, says JAMB
By Uji A Iliyasu, Abuja
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) said no candidate wearing a hijab should be compelled to remove or modify it under any circumstance.
Addressing an incident involving alleged hijab discrimination at the Esther Oshikoya CBT centre in Ibadan, JAMB clarified that the act was not part of its official guidelines.
In a statement issued by its spokesperson, Fabian Benjamin, the Board said it became aware of the incident through its monitoring mechanisms during the screening exercise for the first session of the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) on Thursday, April 16.
According to JAMB, swift intervention followed, with the ad hoc staff member responsible immediately cautioned and directed to comply with established procedures.
JAMB emphasised that the action was that of an overzealous official who failed to adhere to clear directives on candidates’ religious dressing, adding that the CBT centre itself was not responsible for the incident.
Reaffirming its commitment to inclusivity, the Board stated that respect for religious beliefs and expressions remains a core part of its policy framework.
It further disclosed that all ad hoc personnel nationwide have been re-briefed to ensure strict compliance with approved screening procedures at all examination centres.