By: Sefiu Ajape
The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has condemned the alleged action of a Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) supervisor and officials at PEFTI, accusing them of compelling a Muslim teenager, Lawal Hameedat Adenike, to remove her hijab before taking the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).
In a statement released on Friday, May 16, 2025, the General Secretary of MURIC, Oyo State Chapter, Ambassador Mallam Ibrahim Agunbiade, called on both JAMB and PEFTI to take disciplinary action against the supervisor involved, describing the incident as a violation of religious rights and urging sanctions to deter similar future occurrences.
The statement read in part: “The JAMB Supervisor of the examination taken on Friday, 25th April, 2025, at the PEFTI CBT Centre in Ibadan, Oyo State. Infringed on Allah-given fundamental rights of female Muslim students by forcing her to remove her hijab before entering the examination hall.
“This blatant disregard for Muslims’ rights is unacceptable and contrary to court rulings; this violates Section 38 of the Nigerian Constitution, which guarantees freedom of thought, conscience, and religion. It is the duty of JAMB and PEFTI management to protect these fundamental rights, especially for minors who cannot defend themselves.
“MURIC demands an Immediate apology to the affected student, Respect for Muslims’ constitutional rights to wear hijab, and Sanctions for erring supervisors to prevent future occurrences.
“We stand in solidarity with affected student and urge JAMB to uphold constitutional rights. Religious freedom and tolerance are essential in educational settings.
“MURIC calls on JAMB and PEFTI authorities to reaffirm students’ rights to wear hijab. Provide clear guidelines protecting religious freedoms. Ensure supervisors respect students’ rights.”
“We will continue monitoring this situation and advocating for Muslims’ rights”, it added.
