JAMB affirms hijab Is allowed during UTME registration
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has clarified that female candidates wearing hijabs will not be required to remove them during registration for the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).
The clarification comes after a video circulated online showing a Muslim candidate allegedly being asked to remove her hijab for her registration photograph. JAMB emphasized that the technical requirement for both ears to be visible in biometric captures is a standard security measure, not a directive targeting religious attire.
“Candidates’ religious practices are fully respected,” said JAMB spokesperson, Mr. Olusegun Adeyemi. “The photo guideline is purely technical, aimed at ensuring identity verification meets international standards.”
The Board also urged candidates and the public to avoid spreading unverified claims, noting that such misinformation can cause unnecessary tension and confusion during examination periods
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Education experts say that JAMB’s statement underscores the importance of balancing religious sensitivities with global identification standards. “It’s crucial that examination bodies remain inclusive while maintaining integrity in their processes,” said Professor Hauwa Suleiman, an education policy analyst.
The clarification provides reassurance to Muslim candidates across Nigeria, particularly in northern states where hijab-wearing is common, ensuring that faith and education administration coexist harmoniously.
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