* Urges JAMB to delist erring CBT centers
The Hijab Rights Advocacy Initiative, a prominent human rights organization dedicated to promoting and defending the rights of women and girls who wear the hijab, has condemned the harassment and intimidation of hijab-wearing candidates at the Caleb University CBT Centre in Imota, Ikorodu, Lagos during the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).
The organisation expressed deep concern over reports that female Muslim candidates were coerced into removing their hijabs before they were allowed to participate in the examination on Thursday, April 24, 2025.
In a strongly worded statement issued by Hajia Mariam Odunayo Nurudeen-Arole on behalf of the group, the Hijab Rights Advocacy Initiative described the act as a flagrant violation of the Nigerian Constitution and a gross infringement on the religious and educational rights of the affected candidates.
“It is to our chagrin that despite the Supreme Court’s decision on the use of hijab in Nigeria for young girls, we still record cases of hijab rights infringement ranging from removal of hijab or outright refusal of JAMB-approved CBT centres to admit female Muslim candidates in hijab to write their examinations,” the statement read.
The group stated that its attention was drawn to the events at Caleb University where security personnel, including members of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and staff members allegedly harassed and intimidated hijab-wearing candidates.
The organization affirmed that the reports it received were backed by credible evidence and eyewitness accounts.
“Our attention has been drawn to the case of Caleb University Imota, Ikorodu CBT Centre harassing, discriminating and intimidating female UTME candidates by preventing them from writing their examination with the hijab. These reports are backed with evidence, and we strongly speak and write against such practices.”
Citing Section 38 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), the advocacy group reminded educational institutions and examination bodies of their obligation to uphold the right of every Nigerian to freedom of religion and expression.
“These actions run contrary to the provisions of Section 38… which guarantees every citizen the right to freedom of thought, conscience, and religion. This includes the freedom to manifest and propagate one’s religion in worship, teaching, practice, and observance.”
The group also referenced Section 18 of the Constitution, which guarantees the right to education, noting that denying access to education on religious grounds is not only unconstitutional but also detrimental to national unity and development.
“Denying young women access to education on the basis of their religious attire is a clear infringement of their constitutional rights. It is to our dismay that the authorities of Caleb University… are using the Civil Defence and other staff to deprive female candidates from writing their UTME examinations, running the centres contrary to the provisions of the law.”
The organization called on the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) to investigate the incident thoroughly and sanction any institution found guilty of violating candidates’ rights. It also called for the withdrawal of CBT licenses from centres that continue to discriminate based on religion or attire.
“We strongly implore the Caleb University authority and any other establishments guilty of such practices to cease and desist from such human rights abuse, discrimination, ostracization and traumatisation of UTME candidates who need the necessary support to write their examination.”
“Furthermore, we call on the JAMB authorities to not only warn organisations unwilling to comply and open to inclusion and diversity, but also withdraw their license to operate as CBT centres… Anyone found guilty should be de-registered.”
The Hijab Rights Advocacy Initiative concluded by urging the public to remain vigilant and report any similar abuses to relevant authorities and advocacy bodies.
“We seek more support from the general public to report all infringement and hijab rights abuses recorded across the country… to ensure not only a seamless examination process but an inclusive environment for our female folk to thrive in Nigeria.”
The group reaffirmed its commitment to promoting equality, protecting religious freedom, and ensuring that every Nigerian girl has the opportunity to pursue her education in an environment free from discrimination and intimidation.
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