ICYMI: Court orders JAMB, CBT centre to pay ₦10m over forced removal of candidate’s hijab during UTME

An Oyo State High Court sitting in Ibadan has ordered the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) and PEFTI CBT Centre to jointly pay ₦10 million in damages to Miss Lawal Hameedat Adenike Olamide after ruling that her fundamental rights were violated when she was allegedly forced to remove her hijab before sitting the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).

Justice Y. S. Adekunle, in a judgment delivered last week, also declared unconstitutional, illegal, null and void any rule or directive requiring female candidates to remove hijabs worn for religious purposes as a condition for taking the UTME.

A Certified True Copy of the judgment was obtained on Thursday.

The suit was instituted by the candidate, who was a minor at the time of the incident, through her mother, Mrs Basirat Ojo Oba.

The case arose from an incident that occurred during the April 25, 2025 UTME at the PEFTI CBT Centre, located at 32 Oyo Road, Coca-Cola Area, Sango, Ibadan.

PEFTI CBT Centre is listed among JAMB-approved CBT centres in Oyo State. The centre has also appeared in JAMB’s official records relating to CBT operations in the state.

The claimant, through her counsel, Qousim A. Opakunle, argued that compelling her to remove her hijab before allowing her to sit the examination violated her constitutional right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion.

READ ALSO:

• Naming Atiku as My Running Mate in 1999 My Biggest Political Error – Obasanjo
• Woman Strangles Co-wife’s 3-Year-Old Daughter to Death in Kwara
• Court Awards N12m Damages Against Police for Abduction, Unlawful Detention of Journalist

The suit relied on Section 38 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, which guarantees every person the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion, including the freedom to manifest and practise religious beliefs.

The claimant asked the court to declare unconstitutional any alleged policy requiring female UTME candidates to remove religious head coverings before entering an examination hall.

She also sought written apologies from JAMB and the CBT centre, publication of the apologies in two national newspapers and monetary compensation for the alleged violation of her fundamental rights.

In his judgment, Justice Adekunle held that the action of requiring the candidate to remove her hijab before she could sit the UTME amounted to a violation of her constitutionally protected rights.

The court ruled that any policy, rule or directive introduced by JAMB or a CBT centre that compels female candidates to remove hijabs worn for religious purposes is inconsistent with the Constitution and is therefore invalid.

The court subsequently awarded ₦10 million in damages against JAMB and PEFTI CBT Centre jointly.

Justice Adekunle also ordered the defendants to pay ₦500,000 as the cost of the suit, bringing the total financial award to ₦10.5 million.

In addition, JAMB and PEFTI CBT Centre were directed to independently write letters of apology to the claimant and publish the apologies in two national daily newspapers within seven days of the judgment.

The ruling has drawn attention to the need for examination authorities and accredited CBT centres to ensure that security and examination procedures are implemented in a manner that respects candidates’ constitutional rights.

While examination bodies are expected to maintain strict standards to protect the integrity of public examinations, the judgment underscores the importance of applying such measures without imposing restrictions that are inconsistent with constitutional protections.

The decision may also strengthen calls for clearer and more uniform guidelines for CBT centres across Nigeria, particularly on the treatment of candidates who wear religious clothing.

Reacting to the judgment, Opakunle described the ruling as a significant victory for the protection of fundamental human rights.

He said the case was founded on Section 38 of the Constitution and reaffirmed the responsibility of public institutions and service providers to respect the religious rights of citizens.

The lawyer added that the judgment was particularly important because the claimant was a minor and required legal representation to challenge the alleged violation.

The ruling adds to ongoing public and legal discussions about the balance between religious freedom, institutional regulations and the rights of students and examination candidates in Nigeria.

As of the time of filing this report, there was no publicly available response from JAMB or PEFTI CBT Centre on the judgment.

ICYMI: Court orders JAMB, CBT centre to pay ₦10m over forced removal of candidate’s hijab during UTME

Gunmen invade Ogun polytechnic hostel, abduct five students

At least five students of Gateway ICT Polytechnic, Saapade (GAPOSA), Ogun State, were reportedly abducted after suspected gunmen attacked a private student hostel in Ipara-Remo, prompting the institution to cancel examinations scheduled for Thursday.

The attack reportedly occurred on Wednesday evening at a private hostel located along Paraga Road, Ipara, a community near the polytechnic.

According to accounts from the school community, the armed attackers operated for about 30 minutes and fired gunshots before taking away some occupants of the hostel.

The incident caused fear among students and residents, particularly because the hostel was reportedly located in an isolated area surrounded by dense vegetation.

Following the attack, the management of Gateway ICT Polytechnic announced the cancellation of examinations scheduled for Thursday.

In a notice issued to students, the institution said examinations scheduled for Friday would proceed as planned unless a further announcement was made.

“Following the unfortunate incident that occurred yesterday, today’s examination has been cancelled,” the notice stated.

“However, tomorrow’s examination remains scheduled as planned. If there is any change regarding tomorrow’s examination, an official announcement will be communicated promptly.”

The management encouraged students to remain calm, stay informed through official communication channels and continue preparing for their examinations.

The GAPOSA Students’ Union Government (SUG) later confirmed that five students were abducted during the attack.

READ ALSO:

• FG to phase out electricity subsidy from 2027 as power sector debts rise
• At least 43 migrants die as 49,000 cross into Spain’s Ceuta enclave
• Segun Aina assumes office as JAMB registrar, vows to protect examination integrity

In a statement jointly signed by SUG President Akinpelu Bukunmi Timothy, General Secretary Salau Boluwaduro Saidat and Public Relations Officer Matthew Francis Sonayon, the union described the hostel as being in a remote location that could expose students to security risks.

The union said the attack began at about 7:45 p.m. and lasted for approximately 30 minutes.

According to the SUG, several students escaped through the ceiling of the building, while others were unable to flee before the attackers left the area.

The union said gunshots were fired during the incident but added that no student was reported dead.

“We can confirm that five students were abducted during the incident,” the statement said.

“The matter has officially been reported to the Nigeria Police Force and other relevant security agencies, and we are confident that immediate efforts are underway to ensure the safe rescue of the affected students.”

The SUG appealed to students, parents, guardians and members of the public to avoid sharing unverified information that could create unnecessary fear or interfere with ongoing security operations.

It said some reports circulating on social media did not accurately reflect the information available to the institution and the affected community.

Confirming the incident, the spokesperson for the Ogun State Police Command, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, said the police had launched a coordinated operation to rescue the victims and apprehend those responsible.

Babaseyi said tactical teams and intelligence personnel were deployed to the area immediately after the police received a distress report.

“The Ogun State Police Command is aware of the abduction incident reported at a private hostel in the Ipara area on the night of Wednesday, July 29, 2026,” he said.

“Immediately the distress report was received, the command activated a coordinated operational response, deploying tactical teams and intelligence assets to the area.”

He said bush-combing operations and other targeted security activities were ongoing to locate and rescue the victims safely.

The police spokesperson added that the exact number of people abducted had not yet been confirmed because verification and investigations were still ongoing.

The difference between the number confirmed by the SUG and the police position means that the final figure may be clarified as investigations continue.

The attack has renewed concerns about the safety of students living in private, off-campus accommodation, particularly in isolated areas with limited security presence.

It has also raised calls for stronger collaboration among school authorities, landlords, host communities, security agencies and student representatives to improve safety around student residences.

As of the time of filing this report, the Ogun State Police Command had not announced the rescue of the victims or disclosed whether any suspects had been arrested.

Security agencies are expected to provide further updates as rescue operations and investigations continue.

Gunmen invade Ogun polytechnic hostel, abduct five students

Segun Aina assumes office as JAMB registrar, vows to protect examination integrity

Professor Segun Aina has formally assumed office as the new Registrar and Chief Executive of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), pledging to strengthen the integrity of the nation’s examination and tertiary admission systems.

Aina assumed office on Friday at JAMB’s headquarters in Bwari, Abuja, succeeding Professor Ishaq Oloyede, whose two-term tenure ended on July 31, 2026.

The new JAMB registrar takes over at a time when the board is expected to deepen the use of technology, strengthen examination security and address emerging challenges affecting the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) and admission processes.

President Bola Tinubu appointed Aina as the substantive JAMB registrar on May 21, 2026. The Presidency described him as a distinguished academic and systems expert with experience in national examination systems, digital infrastructure and public-sector institutional reform.

Aina, a professor of computer engineering, became one of Nigeria’s youngest professors in the field at the age of 39. His appointment also makes him the youngest registrar in JAMB’s history. (State House)

In his inaugural address, Aina said his administration would protect the credibility of JAMB examinations and sustain public confidence in the board’s operations.

He pledged to build on existing reforms while introducing additional technology-driven measures to improve examination administration, candidate verification and the security of JAMB’s digital systems.

The new registrar also warned individuals involved in examination malpractice to reconsider their actions, stressing that the board would not allow fraudulent practices to undermine the credibility of its examinations.

According to Aina, those involved in examination malpractice should understand that “their business is in the wrong institution.”

READ ALSO:

• 2027 Hajj: NAHCON Sets N5m Minimum Deposit, Opens Registration for 2028-2030 Seasons
• Stop, CBN! The baby is in the bathwater
• Osun Speaker: CP Gotan Arrested SSG Igbalaye for Laughing When Police Boss Was Booed
• Police Release Osun SSG After Controversial Arrest Over Alleged Electoral Offences

He said JAMB would continue to invest in modern technology and strengthen its systems to detect and prevent malpractice, including impersonation, identity fraud, unauthorised access to examination platforms and other forms of examination-related misconduct.

Aina added that the board would maintain close collaboration with security agencies and other relevant institutions to investigate and prosecute individuals or groups found to be involved in examination fraud.

The new JAMB registrar said the board would remain committed to ensuring that qualified candidates have fair and transparent access to tertiary education opportunities.

He also pledged to improve the efficiency of JAMB’s registration, examination and admission processes while ensuring that the board’s services remain accessible to candidates across the country.

Aina’s appointment marks a new chapter for JAMB following Oloyede’s 10-year tenure, during which the board expanded the use of technology, strengthened its admission processes and introduced reforms aimed at improving transparency and accountability.

The outgoing registrar was appointed in 2016 and served two terms, overseeing major changes in JAMB’s examination and admission systems. (TheCable)

Aina is expected to consolidate on those reforms while addressing new challenges associated with digital examinations, cybersecurity, examination malpractice and the growing demand for efficient tertiary admission services.

His background in computer engineering and digital systems is expected to support JAMB’s efforts to deploy technology more effectively in examination administration and protect the integrity of the UTME.

Education stakeholders will also be watching how the new leadership improves the experience of candidates, strengthens the credibility of examination results and promotes transparency in admissions into universities, polytechnics, colleges of education and other tertiary institutions.

With his assumption of office, Aina has pledged that JAMB will continue to uphold merit, fairness, accountability and public trust while taking stronger steps to protect the integrity of Nigeria’s tertiary admission system.

Segun Aina assumes office as JAMB registrar, vows to protect examination integrity