Video of hijab restriction at Ibadan JAMB centre sparks concern
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An allegation that a female candidate was asked to remove her hijab before being allowed to sit for the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination in Ibadan, Oyo State, has sparked concern among Nigerians.
A video footage, shared on X by a user identified as Alfa Shehu, was said to have been recorded at Esther Oshikoya Computer-Based Test Centre along Sango-Eleyele Road.
In the video, a female candidate is seen taking off her hijab before proceeding into the examination premises. The circumstances surrounding the action, however, remain unclear.
The user who posted the video alleged that candidates wearing hijabs were being asked to remove them before being allowed into the examination hall.
This is a direct violation of the candidates’ constitutional right to freedom of religion and JAMB’s own guidelines that permit hijab during examinations,” he wrote.
The claim has not been independently verified.
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board had yet to issue an official statement on the incident as of the time of filing this report.
However, a statement by the Muslim Students’ Society of Nigeria, Akinyele Area Council, alleged that a security personnel at the centre prevented a candidate from gaining entry while wearing a hijab.
The group added that the official had been questioned, while affected candidates have been allowed sit for the examination.
However, a statement by the Muslim Students’ Society of Nigeria, Akinyele Area Council, alleged that a security personnel at the centre prevented a candidate from gaining entry while wearing a hijab.
The group added that the official had been questioned, while affected candidates have been allowed sit for the examination.
The situation at Esther Oshikoya CBT Centre is now under control. Officials from JAMB have arrived at the centre and have taken over the matter,” the statement read.
The UTME commenced nationwide on Thursday, with over two million candidates expected to participate.
