- they are required to adjust them in a way that allows the ears to be seen during the photograph
- JAMB urged the public to avoid spreading misleading information and encouraged individuals to seek clarification
- For Direct Entry candidates, application sales will commence on March 2 and run until April 25, 2026
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has addressed concerns circulating online, stating that female candidates are not required to remove their hijabs during registration.
Eko Hot Blog report that the clarification followed a viral video alleging that a candidate at Afe Babalola University was asked to take off her hijab before being photographed.
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In the video, a man claimed he accompanied his sister to a JAMB registration centre where she was instructed to remove her hijab for biometric capture and later asked to sign a written statement for wearing it. He questioned whether Muslim candidates were facing discrimination.
Responding through its verified social media account, JAMB firmly denied issuing any directive banning the hijab. The board explained that its registration guidelines have never prohibited religious attire.
According to JAMB, the issue in question relates to a standard biometric requirement used globally for identification processes such as passport and visa applications. The guideline requires that both ears be visible during photograph capture to ensure accurate facial recognition.
The board emphasized that candidates are not asked to remove their hijabs. Instead, they are required to adjust them in a way that allows the ears to be seen during the photograph.
JAMB further stated that the candidate involved was asked to provide a written note confirming her personal decision not to comply with the ear-visibility guideline. This, the board explained, was to ensure proper documentation and avoid any misunderstanding. She was eventually registered successfully.
Reiterating its position, JAMB urged the public to avoid spreading misleading information and encouraged individuals to seek clarification when in doubt. The board stressed its commitment to fairness and respect for candidates of all religious backgrounds.
Meanwhile, registration for the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) began on January 26 and will end on February 28, 2026. The sale of e-PINs started on January 19 and will close on February 26, 2026.
For Direct Entry candidates, application sales will commence on March 2 and run until April 25, 2026. Registration for this category will take place exclusively at JAMB’s zonal and state offices.
The Registrar assured that adequate measures have been implemented to ensure a smooth registration process nationwide.
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