Hijab Not Prohibited During Registration

JAMB denies directive banning hijab during UTME registration.
Board says only ear visibility required for biometrics.
Registration for 2026 UTME closes February 28 nationwide.

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

In the video shared by a social media user identified as AsakyGRN, a man claimed his sister was asked to remove her hijab before being photographed at a JAMB registration centre.

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“I followed my sister to the JAMB centre to collect her form. She was told to remove her hijab before she could be captured.

“After the capturing, they asked her to sign an undertaking for wearing a hijab. Are Muslims now being discriminated against for wearing hijabs?” he said.

EKO HOT BLOG reports that responding in a statement issued on Saturday via its verified account, JAMB denied issuing any directive prohibiting candidates from wearing hijabs.

“Thank you for your concern. However, it is important to state clearly that the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, whether in the past or present, has never issued any directive prohibiting candidates from wearing the hijab,” the board stated.

The examination body explained that the procedure in question was a standard biometric requirement applicable to all candidates.

“When his sister presented herself for registration, she was informed of the Board’s standard guideline, which is a global practice in capturing candidates for both an international passport and a visa, which requires that both ears must be visible during biometric photo capture.

“This requirement is purely technical and is intended to ensure that proper facial recognition and identification do not require the candidate to remove her hijab,” the statement read.

JAMB added that the candidate’s religious beliefs were respected.

“She was requested to formally state in writing that she personally chose not to comply with the guideline regarding ear visibility, so that the record would accurately reflect the circumstances and prevent future misrepresentation. She obliged and was successfully captured, albeit after considerable time and effort,” it said.

Reiterating its position, the board stated, “For clarity, candidates are not required to remove their hijab. The simple requirement is that the ears be visible during photo capture, which can be done without removing the hijab itself.

“This is a standard biometric procedure, similar to what is obtained during passport or visa applications at embassies worldwide.”

JAMB urged the public to avoid spreading misleading information and to seek clarification where necessary.

“Mutual understanding will enable the Board to serve every candidate more effectively and fairly. We remain committed to respecting the rights and beliefs of all candidates, irrespective of religion or background,” the board added.

Registration for the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination commenced on Monday, January 26, 2026, and will close on Saturday, February 28, 2026.

JAMB Registrar, Prof. Is-haq Oloyede, said e PIN vending began on Monday, January 19, 2026, and will end on Thursday, February 26, 2026.

Hijab Not Prohibited During Registration - JAMB — Hijab Not Prohibited During Registration – JAMB

For Direct Entry candidates, sale of application documents and e PIN vending will begin on Monday, March 2, 2026, and close on Saturday, April 25, 2026, with registration restricted to JAMB zonal and state offices nationwide. The Registrar assured candidates of a smooth registration process across the country.