Education
JAMB officials seize candidates’ hijab at Caleb varsity, Muslim students kick
JAMB officials seize candidates’ hijab at Caleb varsity, Muslim students kick
Muslim students have vowed to take legal action against any harassment, threats, or unjust treatment directed at female candidates wearing hijabs at centres for the ongoing Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).
This comes in the wake of reports of hijab harassment and hijab seizures that have sparked widespread concern among Muslim students and religious organizations, following incidents that took place on Thursday.
Under the umbrella of the Muslim Students’ Society of Nigeria, Lagos State Area Unit (MSSNLagos), the students issued a statement on Friday, signed by their Amir (President), Kamoldeen Abiona, expressing deep dissatisfaction with reports of harassment at several UTME centres across Lagos, particularly Caleb University in Ikorodu, a Christian-owned institution, where hijabs were forcibly removed from candidates.
Abiona criticized the ongoing incidents, emphasizing that despite established guidelines allowing the wearing of hijabs, female Muslim candidates continue to face harassment and coercion at examination centres.
“It is distressing to report that incidents of discrimination against female candidates wearing hijabs during the UTME persist,” said Abiona.
“Despite clear guidelines that allow hijabs, some female candidates are still subjected to undue harassment. These ongoing actions are a blatant violation of their rights and religious freedoms.”
He highlighted a particularly troubling incident that occurred on Thursday, April 24, at Caleb University in Ikorodu, where female Muslim candidates were forced to remove their hijabs to continue with their exams.
“This flagrant violation not only disrespects their religious beliefs but also goes against legal protections for religious freedom and equality.”
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Abiona called on the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) to take immediate action against the erring UTME centres, urging the board to demonstrate that it does not support the harassment of hijab-wearing candidates.
He demanded justice for the affected candidates, insisting they be given the chance to retake their exams without religious interference. “JAMB must act swiftly,” Abiona stated.
“We call for a thorough investigation into these allegations and for appropriate sanctions to be imposed on any institution found guilty. The safety and dignity of all candidates must be safeguarded at all examination centres in Nigeria.”
“Moreover, we demand justice for the affected candidates, ensuring they have the opportunity to retake their exams without any obstacles, ensuring fairness and equity in the educational system,” he added.
The Muslim Students’ Society of Nigeria (MSSN), Lagos State Area Unit, reiterated its unwavering commitment to opposing discrimination and upholding the rights and dignity of students. The group called for an atmosphere of peaceful coexistence and respect for diversity within educational environments.
The students also issued a stern warning that any institution found in violation would face legal action.
“We will not hesitate to pursue legal proceedings against JAMB or any centre found harassing female Muslim candidates for wearing the hijab. This must end immediately, as wearing the hijab is both a legal right and a religious obligation.”
JAMB officials seize candidates’ hijab at Caleb Varsity, Muslim students kick
muslimnews
Education
UTME: Father of candidate who committed suicide over low score speaks
UTME: Father of candidate who committed suicide over low score speaks
A 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) candidate committed suicide on account of her low score.
The Lagos candidate, now identified as Faith Opesusi, was said to have scored 146 out of 400 points.
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) released the results for its 2025 UTME on May 9.
An analysis revealed that more than 78 per cent of candidates scored less than 200 points out of the 400 maximum obtainable points.
The metrics, believed to have signalled mass failure, spurred protests from candidates who challenged the integrity of the exam.
Oluwafemi Opesusi, Faith’s father, said his distraught daughter took a liquid substance that led to her death after checking her result.
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In an interview with BBC, Oluwafemi said his 19-year-old daughter wanted to study Microbiology but the dream was cut short.
He said JAMB did not release the original result of his late daughter.
Oluwafemi said his daughter was devastated and disappointed after seeing her result.
“She had a high score in 2024 UTME. This year, she was given 146. The pain of it drove her to commit suicide,” he said.
The father said he would have tried to console his daughter if she had opened up about her trauma.
He added that the family was disappointed that her daughter had taken her own life.
On May 14, JAMB admitted that a technical error in Lagos and south-east states compromised UTME results across 157 centres.
A teary-eyed Ishaq Oloyede apologised to the affected candidates and Nigerians in a televised conference on May 14.
The JAMB registrar said the error, caused by one of its service providers, affected nearly 380,000 candidates.
These candidates, he added, will now be made to resit the examination between May 15 and May 19, 2025.
As of this reporting, JAMB has yet to directly address the Faith Opesusi case.
UTME: Father of candidate who committed suicide over low score speaks
Education
UTME: BON praises JAMB registrar for admitting result errors
UTME: BON praises JAMB registrar for admitting result errors
The Broadcasting Organisations of Nigeria (BON) has commended the Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), Professor Is-haq Oloyede, for his demonstration of transparency and accountability following the recently concluded 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).
In a statement signed by its Executive Secretary, Dr. Yemisi Bamgbose, BON lauded Professor Oloyede for openly admitting to human and technical errors that affected the examination process, while taking personal responsibility for the mishap. BON described this gesture as a rare display of integrity and courage that sets a benchmark for leadership in public office.
“Professor Oloyede’s acknowledgment of the challenges and his willingness to address them reflect exemplary courage and a commitment to accountability,” the statement read.
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The organization further praised the proactive measures taken by JAMB to rectify the issues, including the rescheduling of exams for students affected by technical glitches. BON noted that this decision underlines JAMB’s sincerity in ensuring fairness and equal opportunity for all candidates pursuing higher education.
BON also acknowledged the collaborative efforts between JAMB and the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) to effectively manage the situation, describing it as a commendable demonstration of institutional cooperation.
The group called on public officials to emulate such transparency and accountability, emphasizing that such virtues are essential for building trust and projecting a positive image of the nation.
BON reaffirmed its support for ethical leadership and urged stakeholders in the education sector to prioritize integrity and responsiveness in their operations.
UTME: BON praises JAMB registrar for admitting result errors
Education
UTME glitches: Obi, Ezekwesili, others worry over impact on students, parents
UTME glitches: Obi, Ezekwesili, others worry over impact on students, parents
Notable Nigerians including 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, former Education Minister Oby Ezekwesili, and ex-FRSC Corps Marshal Osita Chidoka, have reacted to the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board’s, JAMB admission of errors in the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination, UTME.
While commending the JAMB Registrar, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, for owning up to the glitches, they expressed concern over the impact on students, parents, and the education system.
Obi: Don’t let glitches become a crisis
Peter Obi lauded Oloyede’s rare show of accountability but warned of the damage caused by technical failures.
“The emotional and psychological toll on students and their families is severe. In heartbreaking cases, it has even led to death. JAMB and other institutions must adopt rigorous quality assurance processes. Transparent communication and prompt resolution of issues are vital for public trust,” he said.
Ezekwesili: A national fiasco
Oby Ezekwesili described the situation as a “classic fiasco,” quoting Stephen Hawking: “The greatest enemy of knowledge is not ignorance, it is the illusion of knowledge.”
She criticized authorities for initially dismissing concerns instead of objectively examining the system. Activist Aisha Yesufu also condemned Education Minister Dr. Tunji Alausa for hastily attributing the mass failure to stricter exam standards without confirming the root cause.
Chidoka: Laudable JAMB didn’t say “Go to court”
Chidoka expressed relief that JAMB didn’t deflect blame or ask candidates to go to court.
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