By Our Correspondent
National News – A video showing a female candidate allegedly asked to remove her hijab before sitting for the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination has sparked nationwide concern.
The incident reportedly occurred on Thursday in Ibadan, Oyo State, at the Esther Oshikoya Computer-Based Test Centre along Sango-Eleyele Road, raising questions about religious rights and examination guidelines.
The controversy began after a video surfaced on X (formerly Twitter), shared by a user identified as Alfa Shehu, showing a candidate removing her hijab before entering the exam premises.
While the exact circumstances remain unclear, the post claimed that multiple candidates wearing hijabs were instructed to remove them as a condition for entry into the examination hall.
According to the claim, such actions would violate Nigeria’s constitutional provisions on freedom of religion, as well as guidelines set by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, which reportedly permit candidates to wear hijabs during examinations.
However, the allegation has not been independently verified by authorities.
In response, the Muslim Students’ Society of Nigeria, Akinyele Area Council, confirmed that a security official at the centre allegedly restricted a candidate wearing a hijab from gaining entry.
The group stated that the issue was promptly addressed after intervention, with affected candidates eventually allowed to sit for the examination.
Officials of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board were said to have arrived at the centre and taken control of the situation.
As of the time of reporting, the board had not issued an official statement clarifying the incident or addressing the allegations.
The UTME, which commenced nationwide on Thursday, is expected to see over two million candidates participate across Nigeria.
The incident has intensified calls for stricter adherence to examination rules and respect for candidates’ fundamental rights, particularly in sensitive areas involving religious expression.
