Muslim News gathered that the matter has reportedly been resolved, but many Nigerians are calling for the arrest of the official and for the examination body to delist the centre immediately, so as to serve as a deterrent. “Resolved in what way? Was the official arrested?” Rafiu Bello asked. This is the story:
Muslim students were reportedly compelled to remove their hijab before being allowed to sit for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) at a Computer Based Test centre in Ibadan, Oyo State, an incident that has sparked concern among stakeholders.
The situation was said to have occurred at the Esther Oshikoya CBT Centre located along Sango Eleyele Road, Arometa Bus Stop, opposite NNPC Filling Station in Ibadan.
The centre is an accredited registration and examination facility under the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, with reference number UTME2017/30020010.
It was gathered that female candidates wearing hijab were instructed to remove it before gaining access into the examination hall, a development that was captured on camera and has since circulated online.
The action has been widely described as a violation of the candidates’ constitutional right to freedom of religion as well as a breach of JAMB examination guidelines, which permit the use of hijab during the UTME.
The incident reportedly caused distress among affected candidates who were preparing to sit for the examination, with some allegedly forced to comply with the directive in order to avoid missing their papers.
Stakeholders have called for urgent intervention from the headquarters of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board and its Oyo State office to address the situation and ensure that no candidate is further denied access on religious grounds.
They also urged Muslim organisations and human rights groups to take immediate steps to investigate the incident and protect the rights of affected students.
Parents and members of the public have equally been encouraged to draw attention to the matter and ensure that educational access is not compromised by religious discrimination.
As at the time of filing this report, there has been no official response from JAMB or the management of the CBT centre.
WATCH THE VIDEO HERE
MSSN says hijab controversy at Ibadan UTME centre has been resolved
As at the time of filing this report, there had been no official response from the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board or the management of the CBT centre.
However, an unsigned statement attributed to the Muslim Students Society of Nigeria Akinyele Area Council said the matter had been brought under control and that affected candidates were now allowed to observe their hijab without interference.
According to the statement, officials of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board had arrived at the centre and taken over the situation, while measures were being put in place to ensure proper resolution.
“Alhamdulillah, the situation at Esther Oshikoya CBT Centre is now under control, and all candidates are allowed to observe their hijab without any interference,” the statement read.
The group added that the matter was addressed with urgency and that the officials who intervened handled the issue with understanding.
It also stated that the student seen in the trending video had been interviewed, while the security personnel allegedly involved in the incident was being held accountable after some centre officials reportedly denied authorising the action.
According to the statement, “The security personnel involved, who claimed to have acted on instructions, is now being held accountable, as some centre officials have confirmed that no such directive was given.”
The organisation expressed appreciation to members of the public who raised awareness about the incident and urged stakeholders to remain calm as the matter continued to be managed.
“We appreciate everyone who raised awareness and showed concern. Kindly remain calm as the situation continues to be properly managed,” the statement added.
The group further disclosed that it had moved to another examination centre where a similar issue was said to have occurred in the previous year, adding that the situation there was peaceful.
It stated that normal activities were ongoing at the centre and that candidates were writing their examinations without disruption. WATCH ON INSTAGRAM HERE
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