Nigeria’s tertiary admissions authority has moved to calm public concern by clarifying that candidates are not required to remove their hijab during registration, countering claims circulating online.
The reassurance was issued by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board after a viral video alleged that a Muslim candidate faced difficulty while registering at Afe Babalola University.
In the widely shared clip, a man claimed he accompanied his sister to a registration centre where officials reportedly insisted she remove her hijab for a photograph and sign a document because of her attire.
Addressing the allegation, the examination body stressed that it has never introduced any policy banning religious coverings, explaining that the matter concerned biometric standards rather than faith or dress.
Officials clarified that candidates are only required to ensure their ears are visible during photo capture to enable proper identification, a guideline comparable to international passport requirements, and not a directive to remove hijab entirely.
The board explained that the candidate involved was asked to document her decision after declining to adjust her covering, noting that this was strictly for record purposes and to prevent future disputes, after which her registration was completed.
Authorities urged the public to avoid spreading misleading narratives and encouraged verification through official channels, reaffirming that the system respects religious beliefs and personal rights.
Registration for the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination remains open until late February, while Direct Entry registration is expected to commence in March at designated offices nationwide.
