Removing hijab not required during UTME registration, says JAMB

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) hasclarified that candidates are not required to remove their hijabs duringregistration. The board made the clarification following a video thatraised concerns about alleged discrimination against Muslim candidates at theAfe Babalola University. In a video shared by social media user AsakyGRN, a manlamented that his sister was told to remove her hijab before being photographedfor the exam registration. “I followed my sister to the JAMB centre to collect herform. She was told to remove her hijab before she could be captured,” the mansaid. “After the capturing, they asked her to sign an undertakingfor wearing a hijab. Are Muslims now being discriminated against for wearinghijabs?” In a statement on Saturday via its X account, JAMB said ithas never issued any directive prohibiting candidates from wearing the hijab. The board noted that it is a standard practice globally thatduring biometric photo capture for both an international passport and a visa,both ears must be visible. “This requirement is purely technical and is intended toensure that proper facial recognition and identification do not require thecandidate to remove her hijab,” the board said. Shedding more light on the ABUAD incident, JAMB added thatthe candidate’s religious position was respected. “She was requested to formally state in writing that shepersonally chose not to comply with the guideline regarding ear visibility, sothat the record would accurately reflect the circumstances and prevent futuremisrepresentation,” the board said. “She obliged and was successfully captured, albeit afterconsiderable time and effort. “For clarity, candidates are not required to remove theirhijab. 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 isobtained during passport or visa applications at embassies worldwide.” The board urged the public to avoid spreading misleadingaccounts and to seek clarification where necessary. It further reaffirmed its commitment to respecting therights and beliefs of all candidates, irrespective of religion or background.

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