No hijab ban in UTME registration — JAMB

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board has clarified that candidates are not required to remove their hijabs during registration, following concerns raised in a viral video alleging discrimination against a Muslim candidate at Afe Babalola University.

In the video shared on social media, a man claimed his sister was asked to remove her hijab before being photographed for registration and to sign an undertaking after insisting on wearing it.

Responding in a statement on Saturday, the board said it has never issued any directive prohibiting candidates from wearing hijabs. It explained that the procedure observed at the university relates to standard biometric requirements.

According to JAMB, candidates are only required to ensure their ears are visible during photo capture — a global practice used for identification processes such as passport and visa applications — and this can be done without removing the hijab.

The board said the candidate’s religious beliefs were respected and that she was asked to state in writing that she chose not to comply with the ear-visibility guideline to avoid future misrepresentation, after which she was successfully registered.

JAMB urged the public to avoid spreading misleading information and seek clarification when necessary, reaffirming its commitment to respecting the rights and beliefs of all candidates.

The 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination registration began January 26 and runs until February 28, while e-PIN vending started January 19 and ends February 26, according to Registrar Is-haq Oloyede.

Direct Entry registration is scheduled for March 2 to April 25 at JAMB offices nationwide.