The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has distanced itself from a reported incident involving alleged discrimination against a candidate wearing a hijab at the Esther Oshikoya Computer-Based Test (CBT) Centre in Ibadan.
In a statement released in Abuja on Thursday, the board’s Public Communication Adviser, Fabian Benjamin, explained that the action in question was not part of JAMB’s approved examination procedures.
According to him, the board became aware of the situation through its internal monitoring system during the screening phase of the first session of the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME). He noted that immediate steps were taken to address the issue once it was identified.
Benjamin stated that the ad hoc official involved was promptly called to order and reminded of the board’s established guidelines. He added that clear instructions were issued that no candidate wearing a hijab or any other approved religious attire should be forced to remove or adjust it during the screening process.
The spokesperson emphasized that the incident did not originate from the CBT centre itself and was not authorised by JAMB. Instead, it was attributed to an overzealous temporary staff member who failed to adhere to the board’s policies regarding candidates’ religious expression.
Reaffirming the board’s position, Benjamin stressed that JAMB remains committed to respecting the diverse religious and cultural identities of candidates across the country.
“The Board respects the religious beliefs and customs of all Nigerians and has addressed the situation promptly and appropriately.
“We assure all candidates, regardless of faith, that their rights to religious expression including dressing remain a cornerstone of our policy,” he said.
He further assured candidates nationwide that their rights to express their faith, including through acceptable forms of dressing, remain fully protected under JAMB’s operational guidelines.
“For the avoidance of doubt, all ad hoc personnel have been further briefed and reminded of the approved procedures guiding candidates’ screening at all centres,” he said.
JAMB reiterated its dedication to conducting a smooth, fair, and inclusive UTME process across the country, while ensuring that all candidates are treated with respect and in line with established regulations.
NAN
