Hijab Controversy Hits Ibadan UTME Centre on Day One of Exams
A viral video alleging the profiling of Muslim candidates at a Computer-Based Test (CBT) centre in Ibadan, Oyo State, has sparked significant social media backlash. The incident, which reportedly occurred during the first session of the 2026 UTME on Thursday, April 16, involves claims that female candidates were harassed over their hijabs.
The Incident and Allegations
The controversy erupted after a video surfaced online showing security and centre officials at an undisclosed Ibadan venue allegedly instructing female candidates to either remove or significantly adjust their hijabs before entering the examination hall. Affected candidates and parents present at the scene described the act as “discriminatory,” arguing that it caused emotional distress and delayed candidates’ entry for their scheduled 7:00 AM session.
JAMB Official Policy on Hijab
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has a long-standing official policy regarding religious headwear. Under the current guidelines:
Identification: Candidates are allowed to wear hijabs provided their faces are fully visible for biometric and physical identification.
Security: Security personnel are permitted to conduct “gentle” inspections of headwear to ensure no prohibited electronic devices (earpieces, transmitters) are concealed.
Prohibition: Outright removal of the hijab is not a requirement for sitting the UTME.
Reactions from Stakeholders
The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) and several student advocacy groups have already reacted to the trending footage. In a preliminary statement released early this morning, Friday, April 17, stakeholders called on JAMB Registrar, Prof. Is-haq Oloyede, to identify the specific centre and sanction officials found to be acting outside the board’s official mandate.
Current Status
While JAMB’s national headquarters has yet to issue a formal press release on this specific Ibadan incident, the board’s monitoring team in Oyo State is reportedly investigating the claim. Candidates scheduled for today’s sessions (April 17) in Ibadan are advised to remain calm and report any further instances of harassment to the JAMB supervisors present at their venues.