Ahead of the 2023 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has called on candidates and guardians to report any case of discrimination against hijabs at any centre across Nigeria for immediate action.

The move by JAMB is to prevent a potential breakdown of law and order at examination centres across the country.

The Board instructed parents and guardians to reach out to its Director of Legal Services, Abdulwahab Oyedokun, PhD, on 08033697492 and on abdul.oyedokun@jamb.gov.ng in case of discrimination against students in hijabs at any examination centres.

According to a report,  female candidates who wear hijabs as Islamically enjoined had been harassed during the examination by officials, which led to condemnations from Muslim organisations and individuals.

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Integrity News had earlier reported that the management of Covenant University, which is owned by Bishop David Oyedepo, the founder of Living Faith Church Worldwide, came under fire over the decision to forbid candidates wearing hijabs from taking the mock JAMB exams at its campus in Otta, Ogun State.

Four female candidates wearing hijabs, according to reports, were prevented from entering the university.

It took the intervention of JAMB officials before the candidates were allowed in after the initial decision to stop them from gaining access to the institution.

Islamic organisations, including the Hijab Rights Advocacy Initiative (HRAI) and the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC), have since condemned the action at Cannanland.

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has also apologised to the hijab-wearing candidates barred by Covenant University from taking the mock examination.

The Board will hold the 2023 UTME, starting from Tuesday April 25, to Wednesday, May 3, 2023.