A video showing an alleged restriction on the use of hijab at a Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) examination centre in Ibadan has triggered widespread concern among Nigerians.
The footage, which surfaced on social media platform X, reportedly captured a female candidate removing her hijab before being granted access into the examination premises. The incident was said to have occurred at the Esther Oshikoya Computer-Based Test Centre along Sango-Eleyele Road.
A user who shared the video claimed that candidates wearing hijabs were being compelled to remove them before entering the examination hall, describing the action as a violation of their constitutional right to freedom of religion, as well as JAMB’s guidelines.
However, the circumstances surrounding the incident remain unclear, and the claims have not been independently verified.
As of the time of filing this report, Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board had yet to issue an official statement on the matter.
Meanwhile, the Muslim Students’ Society of Nigeria (MSSN), Akinyele Area Council, alleged that a security official at the centre initially denied a candidate entry over her hijab.
The group noted that the situation has since been brought under control following the intervention of JAMB officials, adding that affected candidates were eventually allowed to sit for the examination.
The 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination commenced nationwide on Thursday, with over two million candidates expected to participate.
