Hijab Controversy at Ibadan JAMB Centre Sparks Outrage as Officials Bar Candidates
Tension erupted in Ibadan after hijab-wearing candidates were reportedly barred from sitting for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) at the Esther Oshikoya CBT Centre, sparking widespread outrage online.
Hijab Controversy at Ibadan JAMB Centre Sparks Outrage as Officials Bar Candidates
According to videos that quickly went viral, several Muslim female candidates were stopped at the exam venue and asked to remove their hijabs before being granted entry. The situation left many of the students distressed, with some seen pleading to be allowed to write their exams without compromising their religious beliefs.
The incident drew immediate attention from the Muslim Students’ Society of Nigeria (MSSN), whose members stepped in to challenge the directive. Their intervention, alongside the presence of JAMB officials and monitoring teams, helped to de-escalate tensions at the centre.
Following discussions, authorities reversed the restriction, allowing all affected candidates, including one identified as Fatimah, to participate in the examination. The resolution came as a relief to students and parents who feared the candidates might miss the crucial test.
Reacting to the controversy, the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) distanced itself from the actions at the centre. The board described the incident as the result of an “overzealous” staff member who acted outside established guidelines.
JAMB reaffirmed that candidates are permitted to wear hijabs during examinations, provided their ears are visible for biometric verification. The board also condemned any form of discrimination and reiterated its commitment to ensuring equal treatment for all candidates, regardless of religious affiliation.
Despite the swift resolution, the episode has reignited conversations about religious tolerance and the rights of students in Nigeria, particularly in the Southwest. Many Nigerians have taken to social media to express concern over recurring issues involving religious attire in schools and public institutions.
As the UTME continues across the country, stakeholders are calling for better training and stricter supervision of examination officials to prevent similar incidents. For many, the situation highlights the need for clearer enforcement of policies that protect both the integrity of the examination process and the rights of candidates.
Source: TrendyBeatz
