A Nigerian teenager, Lawal Hameedat Adenike, has dragged the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) and PEFTI to court for allegedly forcing her to remove her hijab before writing the 2025 UTME exam.
The incident occurred on April 25, 2025, at the PEFTI CBT Centre in Ibadan, Oyo State. According to the student’s mother, Basirat Ojo, her daughter was humiliated and denied entry unless she removed her religious headscarf.
The case, filed by solicitor Qousim Opakunle, argues that JAMB’s action violates Section 38 of the Nigerian Constitution, which guarantees freedom of religion. The family is demanding:
✔ A public apology in two national newspapers
✔ Compensation for emotional distress
✔ Policy changes to prevent future discrimination
Opakunle stated, “This is a clear violation of her fundamental rights. We must protect minors from such injustices.”
The case has sparked debates on religious freedom in Nigeria, with many calling for JAMB to review its dress code policies.
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