Mock UTME: JAMB Clears Air On Muslim Students’ Incident At Covenant University

• CU Authorities deny giving such order, decry attendant public embarrassment

BY SEGUN ADEBAYO – The Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has officially explained the incident at the Covenant University (CV), Otta, Ogun State where some female students had issues entering the institution to sit for the 2023 Mock Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).

Arising from reports that the students were stopped from entering the University for wearing Hijab, JAMB said the institution’s authorities promptly distanced themselves from the action when it was brought to their notice.

The Examination body said that contrary to reports in the media space, the Covenant University has maintained that no such authority was given to that effect, even as it decried the attendant embarrassment the incident had caused to the institution.

Conveying its explanation in a bulletin cited by Forefront News, JAMB said; “The attention of the University was promptly drawn to this development, and a vehement denial of authorizing its security personnel to prevent any genuine candidates from entering the institution was issued.”

“According to the University, no such authority was given to that effect and it decried the attendant embarrassment the incident had caused to the institution.

“It was, therefore, against this backdrop that upon learning of the incident, the University, along with its CBT Centre officials, had rushed to the gate to rescue the unfortunate situation and ensure that the candidates take their examination.”

However, the bulletin said; “Regrettably, the unwarranted delay prevented the affected candidates from meeting the time for the examination”.

In offering apologies to the concerned candidates, JAMB assured that they would have the opportunity to sit for the rescheduled exam, adding that; “It should be noted that the Board, as an equal opportunity organization, would never condone any scintilla of discrimination against any entity or person.

“The general public is, therefore, given all necessary assurances that the Board would put necessary machinery in motion to ensure that such an incident does not reoccur in future.”

The Covenant University, established by Bishop David Oyedepo, is owned by the Living Faith Church Worldwide, popularly called “Winners Chapel International”.