The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has said that candidates do not need to remove their hijab during registration.
This clarification followed a video on social media claiming that a Muslim candidate was asked to remove her hijab while registering at Afe Babalola University (ABUAD).In the video, a man said he followed his sister to a JAMB registration centre. He claimed she was told to remove her hijab before her photograph was taken and was also asked to sign a document because she wore it.In response, JAMB said it has never issued any rule stopping candidates from wearing hijab. The board explained that the issue was about a biometric requirement, not religion.
According to JAMB, during photo capture, both ears must be visible. This is a common rule used for international passports and visa applications. The board stressed that candidates do not need to remove their hijab completely. They only need to adjust it slightly so that their ears can be seen for proper identification.
“She was requested to formally state in writing that she personally chose not to comply with the guideline regarding ear visibility, so that the record would accurately reflect the circumstances and prevent future misrepresentation,” the board said.
“She obliged and was successfully captured, albeit after considerable time and effort.“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 what is obtained during passport or visa applications at embassies worldwide.”
JAMB said the candidate was asked to write a note stating that she chose not to follow the guideline about showing her ears. This was to ensure proper record-keeping and avoid future misunderstandings. She was later captured successfully.
The board urged the public not to spread misleading information and encouraged people to seek clarification when in doubt. JAMB also assured Nigerians that it respects the rights and religious beliefs of all candidates.
Registration for the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) started on January 26, 2026, and will end on February 28, 2026.Direct Entry registration will begin on March 2, 2026, and close on April 25, 2026, and will take place only at JAMB’s zonal and state offices.
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