The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) issued a statement in Abuja addressing reports of alleged hijab discrimination at the Esther Oshikoya Computer-Based Test Centre in Ibadan. The board clarified that the incident was not part of its official examination protocol, stressing that its guidelines are designed to ensure fairness and inclusivity for all candidates.
The statement, signed by JAMB’s Public Communication Adviser, Fabian Benjamin, came after social media posts circulated late Wednesday evening alleging that female candidates wearing hijab were asked to remove or adjust their head coverings before entering the test hall. By 11:30 a.m., the issue had already sparked heated debate online, with many Nigerians demanding accountability and transparency from the examination body.
Benjamin emphasized that JAMB has no policy restricting religious attire during examinations, noting that candidates are free to dress in accordance with their faith as long as it does not compromise identification or security checks. He described the reports as misleading and urged the public to rely on official communication rather than unverified claims.
At 12:15 p.m., reactions poured in from advocacy groups and parents. Muslim organizations condemned the alleged incident, calling for thorough investigation and assurances that such practices would not recur. Parents of candidates expressed concern about the psychological impact of such controversies on students preparing for high-stakes exams.
By 1:00 p.m., education activists in Ibadan staged a small gathering outside the CBT centre, demanding clarity from both JAMB and the centre’s management. They argued that examination environments should be free of discrimination and intimidation, especially for young people whose future opportunities hinge on their performance.
Public response continued to build throughout the afternoon. At 2:30 p.m., hashtags such as #HijabRights and #JAMB2026 trended on Twitter, with users sharing personal experiences of bias in educational settings. Others defended JAMB’s clarification, insisting that the board has consistently upheld inclusivity in its operations.
By 4:00 p.m., JAMB reiterated its position in follow-up interviews, assuring candidates that measures were being taken to prevent misinterpretations of its protocols. Officials pledged to monitor centres more closely and to sanction any staff or administrators found to be imposing unauthorized rules.
As evening approached, the controversy remained a focal point of public discourse. The alleged hijab discrimination at the Esther Oshikoya CBT Centre has not only tested JAMB’s credibility but also reignited national conversations about religious freedom, fairness in education, and the need for stronger oversight of examination centres across Nigeria.
