The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has clarified that candidates are not required to remove their hijabs during registration, following a viral video that raised concerns about alleged discrimination against Muslim candidates at Afe Babalola University (ABUAD).
In the video, shared by social media user AsakyGRN, a man claimed his sister was asked to remove her hijab before being photographed. He said: “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?”
Responding on Saturday via its verified account, JAMB stated: “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 explained that the procedure at ABUAD is a standard biometric requirement. Candidates are asked to ensure their ears are visible during photo capture, a guideline similar to international passport and visa requirements.
“This requirement is purely technical and intended to ensure proper facial recognition and identification. It does not require the removal of the hijab,” the statement said.
JAMB further clarified that the candidate’s religious choice was respected. She was asked to provide a written statement confirming her decision regarding ear visibility, which was duly recorded. She was successfully captured following the procedure.
The board emphasized: “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 passport or visa applications worldwide.”
JAMB urged the public to avoid spreading misleading accounts and to seek clarification directly from the board, noting that mutual understanding helps ensure fair and effective service for all candidates, regardless of religion or background.
Registration details
JAMB began registration for the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) on Monday, January 26, 2026, running until Saturday, February 28, 2026.
According to Registrar Prof. Is-haq Oloyede, e-PIN vending started Monday, January 19, 2026, and will end Thursday, February 26, 2026. For Direct Entry (DE) candidates, the sale of application documents and e-PIN vending begins Monday, March 2, 2026, and closes Saturday, April 25, 2026, with registration available only at JAMB zonal and state offices.
The Registrar assured that all necessary measures are in place to ensure a smooth registration process nationwide.
