The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, JAMB, has condemned the reported discrimination against hijab-wearing candidates at Esther Oshikoya CBT Centre in Ibadan, describing the action as unauthorised and contrary to its official guidelines.
In a statement issued on Thursday, through its spokesman, Fabian Benjamin, the board said it swiftly intervened after observing the incident during the screening exercise for the first session of the day’s examination.
JAMB disclosed that an ad hoc official involved in the incident was immediately called to order and directed that no candidate wearing a hijab should be asked to remove or alter it.
The Board stressed that the action was not carried out by the CBT centre itself, nor was it part of JAMB’s approved screening procedures.
According to the Board, the incident was caused by an overzealous ad hoc staff member who failed to comply with established guidelines on candidates’ religious attire.
“JAMB categorically affirms that such actions are not in line with its screening procedures. The Board respects the religious beliefs and customs of all Nigerians and has addressed the situation promptly and appropriately,” the statement said.
The examination body assured all candidates, irrespective of their faith, that their right to religious expression, including dressing, remains protected under its policy.
JAMB further disclosed that all ad hoc staff have now been reminded and re-briefed on the approved screening procedures across all centres to prevent a recurrence.