JAMB Officials Intervene As Hijab Controversy Erupts At Ibadan CBT Centre

Tension flared on Thursday morning at the Esther Oshikoya CBT Centre in Ibadan, Oyo State, after reports emerged that female candidates wearing hijabs were being denied entry or forced to remove their cover before being allowed to sit for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) organised by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB).

The incident was first brought to public attention by one Shehu Abdul-Salam Alododo via a Facebook post, where he raised an alarm over what he described as a “violation of candidates’ fundamental rights.”

In his post, Alododo wrote: “Urgent emergency broadcast: hijabites denied right to sit jamb exams at Esther Oshikoya cbt centre!. This is to urgently alert the public, Muslim community, JAMB authorities, and human rights bodies about an ongoing violation happening RIGHT NOW.”

He further described the action as unlawful, stating, “This is a direct violation of the candidates’ constitutional right to freedom of religion and JAMB’s own guidelines that permit hijab during examinations,” calling for urgent intervention.

Alododo further appealed to authorities and stakeholders, “JAMB HQ & Oyo State Office: Please intervene immediately to stop this unlawful act and ensure affected candidates are allowed to write their exams.

He called on Muslim organisations, MURIC, FOMWAN, MSSN, saying “Your urgent attention is needed at this centre.”

“No student should choose between her faith and her future. Hijab is NOT malpractice. It is a constitutional right,” he concluded.

However, in a follow-up development, the situation was reportedly brought under control after intervention by officials of JAMB.

Providing an update in the comment section of the post about an hour later, another social media user, Awujoola Olalekan Abdulbasit stated: “Update on the situation at Esther Oshikoya CBT centre; AlhamduliLlah, 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 issue is currently being addressed, and necessary steps are being taken to resolve it appropriately. We appreciate everyone who raised awareness and showed concern. Kindly remain calm as the situation continues to be handled. MSSN Akinyele Area Council.”

As of the time of filing this report, JAMB was yet to issue an official statement on the incident.