JAMB hijab registration clarification issued as board denies banning hijabs during UTME registration, cites biometric guideline

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board has issued a JAMB Hijab Registration Clarification, stating that candidates are not required to remove their hijabs during registration for the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination.

Also read: JAMB Offers Free UTME Applications for Persons with Disabilities

The board’s response followed a video circulating on social media alleging discrimination against a Muslim candidate at Afe Babalola University.

In the video, shared by a user identified as AsakyGRN, a man claimed his sister was asked to remove her hijab before biometric capture and to sign an undertaking after declining to do so.

In a statement posted on its verified account on Saturday, the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board firmly denied issuing any directive prohibiting candidates from wearing hijabs.

“When his sister presented herself for registration, she was informed of the Board’s standard guideline, which is a global practice in capturing candidates for both an international passport and a visa, which requires that both ears must be visible during biometric photo capture,” the statement read.

The board explained that the requirement is purely technical and intended to ensure accurate facial recognition. It stressed that candidates are not required to remove their hijabs, but must ensure that both ears are visible during the photograph.

According to the board, the candidate’s religious position was respected. She was asked to provide a written statement confirming that she chose not to comply with the ear visibility guideline, so that official records would accurately reflect the circumstances and prevent future misrepresentation.

The candidate subsequently completed the registration process.

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board urged members of the public to avoid spreading misleading narratives and to seek clarification when necessary.

It reaffirmed its commitment to fairness and respect for all candidates, irrespective of religion or background.

Registration for the 2026 UTME commenced on January 26 and will close on February 28, while e-PIN vending began on January 19 and is scheduled to end on February 26.

Direct Entry registration is expected to begin on March 2 and conclude on April 25, with processing limited to JAMB zonal and state offices.

Also read: JAMB Opens 2026 UTME Registration Nationwide

The JAMB Hijab Registration Clarification comes amid heightened public sensitivity around religious rights, as the examination body moves to assure candidates of an inclusive and transparent process.