The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), has reacted to the Hijab Discrimination at Esther Oshikoya CBT Centre, Ibadan, saying it runs contrary to its policy of respect for religious beliefs.
This was contained in a statement on Thursday by JAMB spokesperson, Dr Fabian Benjamin, in reaction to the insistence of an ad hoc staff at the centre that Muslim candidates must remove their Hijab before they will be allowed entry.
Dr Benjamin said “The attention of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has been drawn to an incident at the Esther Oshikoya CBT Centre in Ibadan.
“Through its monitoring mechanisms, the Board observed the occurrence during the screening exercise for the first session of the examination day on Thursday, 16th.
“The Board promptly intervened by calling the ad hoc official involved to order and issuing immediate instructions that no candidate wearing a hijab should be asked to remove or alter it.
“The Board wishes to state clearly that this act was neither perpetrated by the centre nor part of its official protocol. Rather, it was the action of an overzealous ad hoc staff member who failed to adhere to the Board’s established guidelines regarding 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.
“We assure all candidates, regardless of faith, that their rights to religious expression including dressing remain a cornerstone of our policy.
“For the avoidance of doubt, all ad hoc staff have been further briefed and reminded of the approved procedures for screening candidates at all centres.”