JAMB blames ‘overzealous’ ad hoc staff member for hijab incident at Ibadan CBT centre

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has moved swiftly to address an unfortunate incident at an Ibadan Computer-Based Test (CBT) centre, where a hijab-wearing candidate was reportedly delayed. In a statement released by its Public Communication Advisor, Fabian Benjamin, JAMB has attributed the disruption to an "overzealous" ad hoc staff member who failed to adhere to established guidelines.

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The Board promptly intervened by calling the ad hoc official involved to order and issuing immediate instructions that no candidate wearing a hijab should be asked to remove or alter it.

JAMB was alerted to the situation at the Esther Oshikoya CBT Centre during the ongoing Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) screening and promptly intervened. The board has unequivocally stated that no candidate should be compelled to remove or alter their hijab, emphasizing that such an action was not part of the centre's official protocol nor the board's procedures. This clarification aims to dispel any notion that the incident reflects official policy or practice.

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The Board wishes to state clearly that this act was neither perpetrated by the centre nor part of its official protocol. Rather, it was the action of an overzealous ad hoc staff member who failed to adhere to the Board’s established guidelines regarding candidates’ religious attire.

Reaffirming its commitment to inclusivity and respect for religious diversity, JAMB has reiterated that all candidates' rights to religious expression, including their choice of attire, are protected. The board assured all candidates that their faith and dress codes are respected and will not be a basis for discrimination. This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of proper training and adherence to guidelines for all personnel involved in conducting national examinations, ensuring a fair and respectful experience for all participants.

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We assure all candidates, regardless of faith, that their rights to religious expression including dressing remain a cornerstone of our policy.