Taraba Reporters

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has blamed an “overzealous” ad hoc staff member for the incident in which a female candidate was allegedly asked to remove her hijab before entering the examination hall at the Esther Oshikoya Computer-Based Test Centre in Ibadan, Oyo State.

In a statement on Thursday signed by its Public Communication Advisor, Fabian Benjamin, JAMB said it promptly intervened upon being alerted to the incident during the screening exercise for the first session of the 2026 UTME.

“The Board promptly intervened by calling the ad hoc official involved to order and issuing immediate instructions that no candidate wearing a hijab should be asked to remove or alter it. The Board wishes to state clearly that this act was neither perpetrated by the centre nor part of its official protocol. Rather, it was the action of an overzealous ad hoc staff member who failed to adhere to the Board’s established guidelines regarding candidates’ religious attire.”

JAMB emphasised that it respects the religious beliefs of all candidates and has reiterated that no candidate should be discriminated against on the basis of faith or dressing.

“We assure all candidates, regardless of faith, that their rights to religious expression including dressing remain a cornerstone of our policy.”

The board added that all ad hoc staff have been re-briefed on approved screening procedures ahead of the ongoing examinations.

The incident had sparked widespread concern after a video circulated showing a female candidate removing her hijab before gaining entry.

In Taraba State, commercial tricycle operators—popularly known as Keke Napep riders—have made an urgent appeal to the state government for intervention over the growing financial burden associated with operating their vehicles.
The riders, particularly those based in Jalingo, called on the administration of Agbu Kefas to provide government-owned tricycles as a form of relief. According to them, the current “daily balance” system—where riders must remit fixed daily payments to vehicle owners or financiers—has become a major challenge, especially for young operators trying to sustain their livelihoods.
Several riders reported that the high cost of these daily remittances has left many unable to meet payment demands, leading to cases where individuals are forced to return their tricycles or, in more severe situations, face legal consequences.
They stressed that the situation is not only affecting their income but also contributing to wider economic hardship among youths in the state. The group warned that if urgent action is not taken, the growing frustration could have broader social implications for both Jalingo and the state at large.
The riders are therefore urging the Taraba State Government to consider policies or support programs that would ease the financial strain, including the provision of subsidized or government-owned tricycles to enable more sustainable operations.
As of the time of this report, the state government has not issued an official response to the appeal.

INFORMATION FROM NIGERIA MILITARY

Faces of some bandits in Plateau carrying out targeted killings arrested by troops.

1. Mr. Gyang Dantoro -- Tribe Berom.
2. Mr. Samson Davou, Tribe Berom.
3. Mr. Choji Yakubu, Tribe Berom.
4. Mr. Vincent Adamu, Tribe Berom.
5. Mr. Pam Dalyop, Tribe Berom.
6. Mr. Femi Badung, Tribe Berom.
7. Mr. Jacob Musa, Tribe Berom.
8. Mr. Choji Chaga, Tribe Berom.

All of them are residents of Danwal in plateau state.