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.
In a video shared by social media user AsakyGRN, a man claimed his sister was told 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, past or present, has never issued any directive prohibiting candidates from wearing the hijab.”
The board explained that the instructions at ABUAD were part of standard biometric procedures. Candidates are required to have both ears visible during photo capture, a global practice similar to passport and visa photo requirements, to ensure accurate facial recognition. JAMB emphasized that this is purely a technical guideline and does not require removing the hijab.
JAMB added that the candidate’s religious preference was respected. She was asked to formally note in writing that she chose not to fully comply with the ear-visibility guideline so that the record would reflect the situation accurately. She complied, and the registration was successfully completed, though it took extra time.
The board reiterated:
“Candidates are not required to remove their hijab. The only requirement is that the ears be visible during photo capture, which can be done without removing the hijab. This is a standard biometric procedure observed globally.”
JAMB also urged the public to avoid spreading misleading information and to seek clarification directly from the Board, emphasizing its commitment to respecting the rights and beliefs of all candidates, regardless of religion or background.
The Board began registration for the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) on Monday, January 26, 2026, running until Saturday, February 28, 2026.
JAMB Registrar Prof. Is-haq Oloyede confirmed that e-PIN vending started on Monday, January 19, 2026, and will end Thursday, February 26, 2026. For Direct Entry candidates, e-PIN vending and application document sales run from Monday, March 2, 2026, to Saturday, April 25, 2026, with registration available at JAMB zonal and state offices. Measures are in place to ensure a smooth registration process nationwide.