Reading time:4 min read

MSSN Demands End to Reported Hijab Restriction at Nigerian Law School

The Muslim Students’ Society of Nigeria (MSSN), National Headquarters, has demanded the immediate withdrawal of the reported restriction on the wearing of hijab by Muslim female candidates at the Nigerian Law School Bar Final Examinations.

The Society made the demand in a press release dated Saturday, 31st October, 2026, following reports that female Muslim candidates were being prevented from wearing their hijab into examination halls.

Describing the development, if confirmed, as a violation of the fundamental rights of Muslim women, MSSN warned against subjecting candidates to anxiety, uncertainty, humiliation or possible exclusion from their final examinations on account of their religious convictions.

The Society maintained that the hijab should not be treated as an examination offence. While acknowledging the need to maintain the integrity and security of professional examinations, It, however, stressed that any suspected examination misconduct should be investigated individually rather than used as justification for a blanket restriction against every female Muslim candidate who wears hijab.

Citing Sections 38 and 42 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as amended, the Society argued that citizens are entitled to freedom of thought, conscience and religion, and protection against discrimination on religious grounds.

It also referenced the Supreme Court judgment of 17th June, 2022, in Lagos State Government & Ors. v. Asiyat AbdulKareem & Ors., which affirmed the constitutional right of Muslim female students to wear hijab in public schools.

Furthermore, MSSN expressed concern that the reported development could revive memories of the controversy surrounding Amasa Firdaus, whose hijab became a subject of contention at the Call to Bar ceremony in 2017.

In its demands, the Society called on the Nigerian Law School management to clarify its position, ensure that no general prohibition is imposed on female Muslim candidates wearing hijab, and provide reasonable religious accommodation where identification and examination security are concerned.

The society continued that all eligible Muslim female candidates must be allowed to sit for their examination without intimidation, harassment, humiliation or humiliation on account of their hijab.

It also urged relevant authorities, including the Council of Legal Education, the Body of Benchers, the Federal Ministry of Justice and the Nigerian Bar Association, to intervene to ensure an immediate and satisfactory resolution.

The Society further called for an end to collective punishment, insisting that no candidate should suffer academic or professional consequences for an alleged offence committed by another individual.

MSSN reaffirmed that no candidate should lose an examination opportunity or have her professional aspirations jeopardised because of her commitment to wearing the hijab.

The society further called on the Director-general and management of the Nigerian Law school, while also urging the Federal Government and other relevant institutions to ensure that the rights of Muslim women are protected.

It further reiterated its commitment to the protection of the rights, dignity and welfare of Muslim students across the country, stating that it would continue to engage relevant authorities through legitimate, lawful, and constructive means to ensure that justice is served.