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The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has dismissed claims that Muslim candidates are required to remove their hijab during registration, following a viral video alleging discrimination at Afe Babalola University.
The controversy emerged after a social media user, AsakyGRN, shared a video in which a man claimed his sister was compelled to remove her hijab before being registered at a JAMB centre. In the video, the man 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 in a statement issued on Saturday through its verified platform, JAMB firmly rejected the allegation, stating, “Thank you for your concern. However, it is important to state clearly that the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, whether in the past or present, has never issued any directive prohibiting candidates from wearing the hijab.”
The examination body explained that what occurred at ABUAD was related to standard biometric requirements rather than religious discrimination.
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According to the statement, “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.”
JAMB further clarified, “This requirement is purely technical and is intended to ensure that proper facial recognition and identification do not require the candidate to remove her hijab.”
The board stressed that the candidate’s religious beliefs were respected throughout the process.
“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. She obliged and was successfully captured, albeit after considerable time and effort,” the statement added.
Reiterating its position, JAMB stated, “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.”
The board concluded by appealing to the public to avoid spreading inaccurate narratives and to seek official clarification when in doubt, saying, “Mutual understanding will enable the Board to serve every candidate more effectively and fairly. We remain committed to respecting the rights and beliefs of all candidates, irrespective of religion or background.”
The post Hijab not banned in UTME registration, JAMB clarifies after viral video appeared first on Latest Nigeria News | Top Stories from Ripples Nigeria.
