By Uthman-Baba Naseer, Minna

The Association of Nigerian Imams has expressed its deep concern and condemnation the reports of hijab-wearing students being harassed, denied access, as well as forced to remove their religious attire at Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) examination centers at the recent 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).

The Association’s National Secretary,
Imam (Dr.) Umar Farooq Abdullahi, in a statement condemned the act
of an incident at Esther Oshikoya CBT Centre, Ibadan on Thursday, April 16, 2026, where candidate Fatimah Salaudeen and other female students were reportedly compelled to remove their hijab before accreditation.

Imam Umar, while demanding for prosecution and protection of religious freedom had described it as a direct violation of their dignity,their person hood, and their constitutional rights, stressing that similar reports from Peter Harvard Schools in Abuja confirm this is not isolated.

The statement noted”. We echo the piercing question of the JAMB Registrar, Professor Ishaq Oloyede: “How would you ask another man’s wife to remove her hijab?”.This act is not mere “overzealousness.”

It’s insisted that it is religious harassment, public humiliation, and an abuse of delegated authority.

“Citing sanctions in 2024 at Bafuto Institute, Lagos, and denials at
Covenant University and Mountain Top University during the 2023 Mock UTME,
shows a pattern of impunity that must end in no future distance.

It however maintained”.JAMB’s swift intervention in Ibadan is commendable, and we note that the
restriction was lifted.Saying apologies after violation cannot replace
accountability before violation.

The Association of Nigerian Imams seek for Immediate delisting of Esther Oshikoya CBT Centre and any other center, including Peter Harvard Schools Abuja, found to have enforced this illegal policy. Criminal investigation and prosecution of all adhoc staff, supervisors, and security personnel involved, under Section 10 and Section 38 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and relevant anti-discrimination
statutes.

According to the statement”.Other demands were Public disclosure by JAMB of disciplinary actions taken, to deter future violations, Mandatory retraining of all CBT center operators and security staff on JAMB’s guidelines on religious attire, with signed compliance before accreditation.

However, the law must have teeth, saying that without sanctions, we license the next violation.

The National Secretary had reminded Nigeria that freedom of religion is non-negotiable as stipulated.Section 38(1) of the 1999 Constitution guarantees every person the right to freedom of thought, conscience, and religion, including the right to manifest and propagate religion in worship, teaching, practice and observance.

The statement reiterated that the hijab is not a fashion statement.It is an act of worship and obedience for the Muslim woman.

JAMB’s own guidelines permit it, requiring only respectful, private
screening by female officers where necessary. No official, no security guard, no center owner has authority above the Constitution or above JAMB’s regulations.

Imam Farooq explained that to deny a girl her exam for wearing her hijab is to deny her education, her future,
and her citizenship. It is to tell half of this nation that their faith makes them
strangers in their own country. “We reject that”.

He stated that their message to all stakeholders was very clear which includes: “To CBT Centers: Your license to test is not a license to humiliate.

Respect the faith of candidates or forfeit the right to host them.To Parents and Students: Know your rights. Report every violation immediately with evidence. Silence feeds oppression.

Also: “To Government and JAMB: Enforce your policies. Publish a blacklist of violating centers. Freedom of religion cannot depend on the mood of an invigilator.

While, “To All Nigerians: Today it is the hijab. An attack on one faith is a threat to all faiths.The Association of Nigerian Imams stands with every Fatimah Salaudeen in this country. We stand for a Nigeria where merit, not modesty, determines access to education.

“.We await JAMB’s action beyond statements.The nation awaits justice.It noted.

By Abdul-Ganiyy Akanbi

A faith‑based civil society organisation, CSO, the Independent Hajj Reporters, IHR, has commended the Kebbi State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board for releasing its 2026 Hajj flight manifest ahead of schedule and urged other states to emulate it..

In a statement signed by its National Coordinator, Ibrahim Muhammad, the group described the move as a major step toward transparency and efficiency in Hajj operations.

It praised the Executive Secretary Alhaji Farouk Enabo and his management team for complying with the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria, NAHCON’s directive on timely disclosure of travel schedules.

According to IHR, early publication of the manifest helps intending pilgrims plan properly and reduces anxiety before the airlift.

“We commend the Kebbi State Pilgrims Board for releasing its flight manifest well ahead of the airlift.

“This aligns with NAHCON’s directive to ensure pilgrims are informed early about their departure dates to enable proper planning,” it stated.

The CSO noted that releasing the manifest about 17 days before airlift shows growing improvement in Nigeria’s Hajj management.

“This development reflects a significant improvement in the standard of Hajj operations, particularly in pre‑airlift arrangements,” it added.

The IHR urged other state pilgrims’ welfare boards to adopt the practice to boost coordination nationwide.

“We call on other states to emulate this commendable initiative, as it will greatly improve the overall standard of Hajj airlift operations,” the group said.

It also lauded NAHCON for enforcing regulatory guidelines and ensuring stakeholder compliance.

The organisation called for sustained public enlightenment so pilgrims stay fully informed once schedules are finalised.

“We urge continued awareness campaigns so that pilgrims are fully informed once their schedules are finalised,” the statement concluded.

By George Mgbeleke

Governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, on Friday night, joined other well meaning people of Rivers State in mourning the late Senator Barinada Barry Mpigi, who until his demise, represented the Rivers South East Senatorial District at the National Assembly.

Speaking at the Service of Songs held at the Missionary Anglican Church, Koroma, in Tai Local Government Area of Rivers State. Governor Fubara described the deceased as a man who lived a great life.
According to the Governor, the late Mpigi was a fighter who would be remembered for the great works he did while on earth. Alluding to the mystery of life, Governor Fubara said that death is the ultimate end of every human existence, and there is nothing anyone can do when the clock of life stops.
He urged the family of the departed politician to take heart as they mourn the loss of their bread winner, stressing that it is only God that can console them and fill the vacuum he left behind.
Governor Fubara recalled that he had earlier sent a condolences letter to the family of the bereaved and visited them in the wake of the sad news of Mpigi’s passage.
“I did a condolence letter and in my condolence letter, I did express myself about the man we are honouring this night the way I understand him, and the way I see him..
“But this evening, I will say that there are things we have control over. Death is the ultimate end of everything. We have nothing to do about it; we can neither add nor subtract to our life span. When it (death) comes, it has come.
“He lived a great life. He was a fighter that his time has come and gone. We would remember him for the great works he did.
“To the family, I’ll just urge you to take heart. Our gathering here is not enough to console you. It is only God that can console you and fill that vacuum.
May his soul rest in peace,” he said.
Governor Fubara expressed appreciation to the members of the National Assembly and the entire people of Koroma who were at the Service of Songs to give honour to the late politician. He prayed God to bless everyone and grant them journey mercies back to their various destinations.

Onwuka Nzeshi,
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Rivers State.
April 11, 2026.