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.

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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.

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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.

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The user who posted the video alleged that candidates wearing hijabs were being asked to remove them before being allowed into the examination hall.

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“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.

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The claim has not been independently verified.

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The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board had yet to issue an official statement on the incident as of the time of filing this report.

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𝐕𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐨 𝐨𝐟 𝐡𝐢𝐣𝐚𝐛 𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐚𝐭 𝐈𝐛𝐚𝐝𝐚𝐧 𝐉𝐀𝐌𝐁 𝐜𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐞 𝐬𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐤𝐬 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐫𝐧

Credit: X | Alfa Shehu 👳🏾‍♂️

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April 16, 2026

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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.

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The group added that the official had been questioned, while affected candidates have been allowed sit for the examination.

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“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.

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The UTME commenced nationwide on Thursday, with over two million candidates expected to participate.

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