VIDEO: JAMB Registrar Meets CBT Owner Over Hijab Removal Allegation

VIDEO: JAMB Registrar Meets CBT Owner Over Hijab Removal Allegation

The Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), Ishaq Oloyede, has met with the proprietor of a Computer-Based Test (CBT) centre accused of asking female candidates to remove their hijabs before gaining access to examination halls.

The incident, which reportedly occurred during the ongoing Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), sparked widespread backlash from candidates, parents, and civil society groups, raising concerns over religious rights in Nigeria and fairness in examination processes.

According to reports, the CBT centre enforced the directive as part of its internal security checks aimed at preventing examination malpractice. However, critics argue that the action amounted to religious discrimination and violated candidates’ constitutional rights to freedom of worship.

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In response, Oloyede convened a meeting with the centre’s management to address the controversy. During the discussion, the JAMB Registrar reiterated that while exam security measures are critical to maintaining the integrity of the UTME, they must not infringe on candidates’ dignity or religious freedoms.

JAMB emphasized that CBT centres are expected to follow approved guidelines, which do not mandate the removal of religious attire such as hijabs, except under strictly controlled and respectful verification procedures.

The board is currently reviewing the incident and may impose sanctions if the centre is found to have violated its operational standards. The outcome of the review is expected to shape future policies on CBT centre guidelines and reinforce JAMB’s commitment to fairness and inclusivity.

The controversy has also reignited national debate on balancing exam malpractice prevention with respect for religious diversity in Nigeria’s education system.

VIDEO: JAMB Registrar Meets CBT Owner Over Hijab Removal Allegation