News Investigators/ The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) says an alleged hijab discrimination incident reported at Esther Oshikoya Computer-Based Test (CBT) Centre, Ibadan, was not part of its official examination protocol.
The board made the clarification in a statement issued in Abuja on Thursday by its Public Communication Adviser (PCA), Fabian Benjamin.
Mr Benjamin said JAMB’s attention has been drawn to the incident through its monitoring mechanisms during the screening exercise for the first session of the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).
He explained that the board immediately intervened after observing the development and called the ad hoc official involved to order.
He added that the board directed the official that no candidate wearing a hijab should be compelled to remove or alter it during screening.
The spokesperson emphasised that the action was neither perpetrated by the CBT centre nor sanctioned by JAMB.
He attributed the incident to an overzealous ad hoc staff member who failed to comply with the board’s established guidelines on candidates’ religious attire.
Benjamin reaffirmed that JAMB respects the religious beliefs and cultural practices of all Nigerians, noting that the situation had been promptly addressed.
“The Board respects the religious beliefs and customs of all Nigerians and has addressed the situation promptly and appropriately.
“We assure all candidates, regardless of faith, that their rights to religious expression including dressing remain a cornerstone of our policy,” he said.
He assured candidates across the country that their rights to religious expression, including approved modes of dressing, remained protected under the board’s policy framework.
“For the avoidance of doubt, all ad hoc personnel have been further briefed and reminded of the approved procedures guiding candidates’ screening at all centres,” he said.
The board reiterated its commitment to ensuring a fair, inclusive and hitch-free conduct of the ongoing UTME nationwide.
NAN