Officials accredited by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) have faced sanctions following an incident where a female UTME candidate wearing a hijab was barred from entering the exam hall with her headcover, as revealed on Sunday.
Dr Fabian Benjamin, Public Communication Advisor of JAMB, released a statement emphasizing that there is no policy prohibiting candidates from wearing religious symbols associated with their faith.
Responding to reports titled ‘Re: Lagos Centre Stops Hijab-Wearing Candidates as UTME Commences,’ JAMB swiftly addressed the situation, allowing the female candidate in question to proceed with sitting for the UTME while wearing her hijab.
JAMB clarified that the officials involved acted out of ignorance, which is deemed unacceptable as ignorance of the law offers no excuse.
The statement also mentioned that by Monday, April 22, approximately 1.2 million candidates would have participated in the 2024 UTME.
“It is important to note that the board, being a national institution, does not have a policy that restricts candidates from displaying religious items specific to their beliefs, as these are integral aspects of daily life in Nigeria that should be well understood by all,” the statement added.