…Condemns overzealousness of staff
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has strongly condemned the reported restriction placed on female candidates wearing hijab by security personnel at the Caleb University CBT Centre, Imota, Lagos, during the ongoing 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).
The incident, which occurred on Thursday, April 24, was first reported by Muslim News, the most authoritative Islamic Newspaper known for its coverage of issues affecting the Muslim community in Nigeria.
According to the report, some Muslim female candidates were compelled to remove their hijabs by security officials of the Christian-owned institution before being allowed to write their examination.
The development has since sparked widespread outrage across the country, particularly among leading Islamic organizations such as the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC), the Hijab Rights Advocacy Initiative (HRAI), and the Muslim Students’ Society of Nigeria (MSSN), Lagos State Area Unit.
These bodies have demanded that JAMB prosecute the officials involved and delist the centre from hosting future examinations.
Reacting swiftly to the development, JAMB, through its Public Communication Advisor, Dr. Fabian Benjamin, condemned the actions of the security officers, describing the move as “unauthorized” and “unilateral.”
“The examination body has been alerted to the unauthorized restrictions imposed on candidates wearing hijabs in its Caleb University Centre, and swift action has been taken to address this unilateral decision, which has been categorically condemned by the Vice-Chancellor of the university,” Benjamin stated.
He explained that the unfortunate incident stemmed from the actions of an individual security officer.
“This misguided action was the result of an overzealous security officer,” he said.
JAMB went on to offer a formal apology to the affected candidates, assuring that no one was ultimately denied the opportunity to write the examination.
“We extend our sincere apologies to the affected candidates and commend the leadership of both the centre and the university for their prompt intervention, which ensured that no candidate suffered undue disadvantage,” the statement added.
The board reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the rights of all candidates and ensuring religious freedom during its examinations, while promising to implement measures to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
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I am on my kneel for two things.First for christians who are bent to ridicule their Muslim fellow because of hate preaching in their place of worship.You need to remember that this is our land no body can victimise us here.You see me as a brother in the same house but immediately you step out to your place of worship you are other things entirely.You need to watch it.
Secondly, for the stranger on my father’s land,If you came here for business as you are known for, you better face your business, the situation in Yoruba land is more than what you and the problem you want to vomit.Please, don’t start what you cannot finish.We are one Nigeria on paper but I am Yoruba in my fathers land and a Muslim first and foremost.If you want problem go to your land and formit problem there.This is my message to Caleb university and their cohort staff.
Enough is enough.No institution should molest Muslim in Yoruba land again.