The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board has stated that candidates registering for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination are not required to remove their hijabs during biometric capture.
The clarification follows a viral video alleging that a Muslim candidate was asked to take off her hijab at a registration centre linked to Afe Babalola University, sparking concerns about possible religious discrimination.
In the video circulating on social media, a man claimed his sister was instructed to remove her hijab before being photographed.
“I accompanied my sister to the JAMB centre to collect her form, and she was told to remove her hijab before she could be captured. Afterward, she was asked to sign an undertaking for wearing it. Are Muslims now being discriminated against?” he said.
Responding in a statement issued on Saturday, the examination body dismissed the claim, stressing that it has never issued any directive prohibiting the wearing of hijabs during registration.
JAMB explained that the situation referenced in the video was related to standard biometric requirements rather than religious restrictions.
“At no time has the Board instructed candidates to remove their hijabs. What is required is that both ears must be visible during the biometric photograph to ensure proper identification,” the Board stated.
According to the agency, the guideline is a routine technical measure similar to procedures used for international passports and visa applications, and it does not prevent candidates from covering their hair.
JAMB added that the candidate involved chose not to adjust her hijab to meet the ear-visibility requirement and was asked to put her position in writing so the circumstances would be properly documented.
“Her religious choice was respected. She agreed to sign a statement confirming her decision, and she was eventually captured successfully,” the statement added.
The Board further urged members of the public to avoid spreading misleading information and instead seek clarification when issues arise.
“We remain committed to fairness and respect for the beliefs of all candidates. Mutual understanding will help us serve Nigerians better,” JAMB said.
The 2026 UTME registration, which began on January 26, is expected to close on February 28, while e-PIN sales will end on February 26. Direct Entry registration is scheduled to commence on March 2 and run until April 25 at designated JAMB offices nationwide.
