A teenage girl named Lawal Hameedat Adenike has filed a lawsuit against the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) and PEFTI, claiming that she was unjustly forced to remove her hijab before sitting for the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).
The suit was filed on her behalf by her mother and legal representative, Basirat Ojo.
Speaking with journalists in Abuja, Ojo recounted that the incident took place on April 25, 2025, at the PEFTI CBT Centre in Ibadan, Oyo State. …CONTINUE READING
“My daughter was denied the chance to sit for the exam unless she took off her hijab, which she wears as part of her religious obligations. It was humiliating and distressing for her. I couldn’t ignore such a violation of her rights,” she said.
The lawsuit is seeking a public apology from both JAMB and PEFTI, to be published in two national newspapers. It also demands compensation for the rights violation and a court declaration that any policy compelling female candidates to remove their hijabs is unconstitutional.
Lawal’s lawyer, Qousim Opakunle, said the case is grounded in constitutional rights.
“This directive breaches Section 38 of the Nigerian Constitution, which protects freedom of thought, conscience, and religion. We have a responsibility to uphold these rights, especially for minors who are often unable to defend themselves,” he stated.
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Many internet users have shared their thoughts in response to the report.
@OKARIAUKE
Nonsense! You guys are misleading the children, A Hijab doesn’t make you pass the exams, we saw Buhari minister with Hijab loot billions! Hijab doesn’t represent morality too. Just deception.
@isaiahobaz
Dey normally use so called hijab (foreign dress) to carry expo to any examination hall
@STOJ30
This one just wan enter news make Islamic council see am give scholarship or money like they are the last hope of humanity
@UcheokoloII
Students that can’t get 200 cut off mark, are complaining about hijabs.
@richone090
APC is sha using every available tool to keep us unsettled and undemanding. It’s up to us to flush them to the latrine, like the shit they are.
@iluemipetson
Those who started religion don’t take it extreme the way Nigerians do. It is a pity.
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@EdesonEmeka
Na hijab make her fail abi she pass?
