JAMB hijab incident Ibadan has been attributed to an overzealous ad-hoc staff member at a Computer-Based Test centre in Ibadan, Oyo State, according to the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board.
The Board said the action was not part of its approved procedures. It stated that the official involved acted independently during candidate screening. JAMB confirmed immediate intervention after the incident was identified.
JAMB hijab incident Ibadan occurred during the ongoing Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination screening process at a CBT centre in Ibadan. The issue involved a candidate reportedly asked to adjust her hijab during identity verification.
JAMB conducts annual examinations across approved CBT centres nationwide.
These centres operate under strict guidelines issued by the Board. The Board has repeatedly stated that religious attire is allowed during registration and examination processes.
However, identification procedures require clear visibility of facial features for biometric verification. The incident raised public concern and prompted clarification from the examination body.
JAMB hijab incident Ibadan was addressed in a statement issued by the Board’s spokesperson, Fabian Benjamin. He said the Board immediately intervened after receiving reports of the situation.
According to him, the action was traced to an ad-hoc staff member who failed to follow official screening guidelines. He described the conduct as unauthorised and not reflective of JAMB policy.
The statement clarified that CBT centres are not permitted to impose additional requirements beyond approved procedures. It stressed that all candidates must be treated in line with uniform national guidelines.
JAMB also stated that it had contacted the affected centre and reinforced existing instructions. It directed that no candidate should be subjected to religious discrimination or improper screening practices.
The Board reiterated that hijab use is permitted and does not contravene examination rules.
It maintained that only standard biometric identification requirements apply during verification.
Officials added that the ad-hoc staff member involved had been called to order.
Further internal review measures were also initiated to prevent recurrence.
JAMB hijab incident Ibadan highlights ongoing challenges in enforcing uniform compliance across CBT centres. It underscores reliance on temporary staff during national examinations.
The incident raises concerns about adherence to operational guidelines at local centres.
It also reinforces the need for continuous training of examination personnel.
JAMB’s response reflects an attempt to maintain public confidence in the integrity of its processes. It also signals stricter monitoring of centre-level implementation going forward.
