A viral video circulating on social media has sparked controversy in Nigeria, alleging that Muslim candidates were forced to remove their hijabs at Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) registration centres.
The video, widely shared online, shows a man claiming that his sister was asked to remove her hijab before completing her registration at a Computer-Based Test (CBT) centre. According to the claim, she was also allegedly asked to sign an undertaking after the process, raising concerns about possible religious discrimination against Muslim candidates.
The footage quickly gained traction, triggering reactions from Nigerians, especially within the Muslim community, with many questioning whether candidates are now required to remove religious coverings to participate in the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).
However, JAMB has strongly denied the claim. In an official response, the examination body clarified that there is no policy requiring candidates to remove their hijab during registration or examination processes. 
According to JAMB, the issue seen in the viral video is linked to biometric capture requirements, not religion. The board explained that candidates are only required to ensure that their ears are visible during photograph capture, a standard identification procedure used globally for passports and similar documents. 
The board emphasized that this requirement does not necessitate removing the hijab, as it can be adjusted to meet the visibility condition. It also reiterated its commitment to respecting the religious beliefs and rights of all candidates, regardless of background.
Despite the clarification, the incident has reignited longstanding debates in Nigeria over religious expression, particularly the wearing of hijab in public institutions and examination settings. Past controversies have shown that implementation of policies often varies across centres, sometimes leading to confusion or allegations of discrimination.
JAMB has urged the public to avoid spreading misinformation and to seek accurate clarification, stressing that the viral video presents a misleading narrative of its official policy.
