Hijab Not Banned During Registration, JAMB Clarifies Amid ABUAD Controversy

 

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has dismissed claims that Muslim candidates are required to remove their hijabs during registration, describing such reports as misleading and unfounded.

The clarification followed a viral video alleging that a candidate was compelled to remove her hijab before being photographed at Afe Babalola University (ABUAD) during the ongoing registration exercise.

In the video posted by a social media user identified as AsakyGRN, a man alleged that his sister was instructed to remove her hijab before biometric capture and was further asked to sign an undertaking for wearing it.

Responding in a statement issued Saturday via its verified social media handle, JAMB stressed that it has “never issued any directive, either in the past or present, prohibiting candidates from wearing the hijab.”

The examination body explained that what transpired at ABUAD was in line with its standard biometric requirements, which mandate that both ears must be visible during photograph capture for identification purposes.

According to JAMB, the guideline is consistent with global best practices applicable to international passport and visa processing and is strictly technical in nature.

“When the candidate presented herself for registration, she was informed of the Board’s standard guideline requiring that both ears be visible during biometric photo capture. This does not necessitate the removal of the hijab,” the statement read.

The Board added that the candidate opted not to comply with the ear-visibility requirement and was requested to state in writing that the decision was hers, to ensure accurate documentation and prevent any future misrepresentation.

“She obliged and was successfully captured after due process,” the Board stated, noting that her religious beliefs were respected throughout the exercise.

Reiterating its position, JAMB maintained that candidates are not required to remove their hijabs, but must ensure that their ears are visible during biometric capture — a requirement it described as standard practice globally.

The Board urged members of the public to seek clarification before circulating allegations capable of generating religious tension, reaffirming its commitment to fairness and respect for all candidates, irrespective of faith or background.

Meanwhile, JAMB disclosed that registration for the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) commenced on January 26 and will close on February 28, 2026.

Registrar of the Board, Prof. Is-haq Oloyede, had earlier announced that e-PIN vending began on January 19 and will end on February 26, 2026.

For Direct Entry candidates, sale of application documents and e-PIN vending will run from March 2 to April 25, 2026, with registration restricted to JAMB’s zonal and state offices nationwide.

JAMB assured candidates and stakeholders of a seamless and inclusive registration process across the country.