A viral video has sparked fresh debate around JAMB’s registration process. Still, the Board has come out firmly to address the controversy, assuring Muslim candidates that wearing the hijab during the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination registration is fully permitted.
The video, which circulated on social media, alleged that a female candidate was asked to remove her hijab before biometric capture at Afe Babalola University. The footage triggered widespread concern about possible religious discrimination within the registration process.
JAMB, responding through its verified platform, was unequivocal. The Board stated that it has never issued a directive barring candidates from wearing the hijab, and that such a requirement does not exist in its guidelines.
What does exist, the Board clarified, is a standard biometric requirement that both ears remain visible during photo capture. JAMB described this as a globally accepted practice, consistent with procedures used in international passport and visa processing, designed to ensure accurate facial recognition and identification. Crucially, the Board stressed that the need for ear visibility does not require hijab removal.
“For clarity, candidates are not required to remove their hijab. The simple requirement is that the ears be visible during photo capture, which can be done without removing the hijab itself,” the statement read.
Regarding the specific incident, JAMB revealed that the candidate was asked to formally state in writing that she personally chose not to comply with the ear visibility guideline, so that the record would accurately reflect the circumstances and prevent future misrepresentation. The Board confirmed that she was eventually captured successfully.
JAMB further called on members of the public to verify information before sharing it, and reaffirmed its commitment to treating all candidates with fairness regardless of religious background.
On the registration calendar, JAMB Registrar Ishaq Oloyede confirmed that 2026 UTME registration opened on January 26, 2026, and will close on February 28, 2026. ePIN vending began on January 19 and runs until February 26, 2026.
Direct Entry candidates will begin accessing application documents and ePIN vending from March 2, 2026, with the window closing on April 25, 2026. All Direct Entry registration will be conducted exclusively at JAMB zonal and state offices nationwide.
Last Updated on February 23, 2026 by Ola Funmilayo
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