Nigeria: Hijab Ban at Bar Final Exams Unconstitutional, MSSN B-Zone Petitions Law School DG

The Muslim Students' Society of Nigeria (MSSN), B-Zone, covering the 17 Southern States, has condemned reports that female Muslim candidates are being prevented from wearing hijab into examination halls for the 2026 Bar Final Examinations scheduled to commence on Saturday, October 31, 2026.

In an open letter dated 20th Jumadal Ula 1448AH, corresponding to 31st October 2026, addressed to the Director-General of the Nigerian Law School, Bwari, Abuja, with reference number MSSNBZONE/AZ/1448/26.40, the Society called for immediate reversal of the alleged restriction.

The letter was signed by the Amir of MSSN B-Zone, Dr. Moshood Kolawole, the General Secretary, Mallam Akanni O. Omotayo, and the Public Relations Officer, Mallam Moshood Tahiru.

The MSSN B-Zone said it was disturbed that the alleged restriction came at a critical moment when students were preparing to complete their legal education and take the final examinations required for their professional qualification.

The Society said no Muslim woman should be forced to choose between her faith and her professional future, stressing that any blanket restriction on the hijab is an affront to religious freedom, human dignity and fundamental rights guaranteed by the Constitution.

The Society noted that media reports indicated that the alleged restriction may have followed an incident involving a candidate reportedly found with an earpod during an examination.

It stated that while it unequivocally condemns examination malpractice and supports appropriate disciplinary action against anyone found culpable after due investigation, it is unjustifiable to punish innocent candidates for the alleged misconduct of one individual.

"An alleged examination offence by an individual cannot become a licence to stigmatise an entire category of students. The hijab is not an examination offence. It is not an instrument of cheating. It is an expression of religious conviction and identity for Muslim women who observe it," the Society said.

The MSSN B-Zone reminded the Law School authorities that Section 38 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as amended, guarantees freedom of thought, conscience and religion, including the freedom to manifest and practise one's religion, while Section 42 protects citizens against discrimination on grounds including religion.

It cited the Supreme Court judgement in Lagos State Government & Ors. v. Asiyat AbdulKareem & Ors. (2022), which affirmed the constitutional protection of Muslim female students' right to wear the hijab in public schools, noting that the apex court recognised wearing of hijab as a manifestation, practice and observance of the Islamic faith.

The Society expressed concern that the controversy is unfolding against the background of the widely publicised experience of Amasa Firdaus in 2017, when wearing of hijab became an obstacle to her participation in the Call to Bar ceremony. It said it is deeply disappointing that nearly a decade later, Muslim women aspiring to join the legal profession still face uncertainty and anxiety over their religious identity.

According to MSSN B-Zone, the legal profession is founded on justice, equality, respect for the law and protection of fundamental rights, and it would be a grave contradiction for an institution responsible for training future advocates of justice to adopt or enforce a policy that appears to undermine the very rights lawyers are expected to defend.

The Society listed five demands:

1. Immediate clarification and reversal of any blanket directive prohibiting female Muslim candidates from wearing hijab during the Bar Final Examinations.

2. Unhindered access to examinations for all eligible Muslim female candidates without intimidation, harassment, humiliation or discrimination on account of their hijab.

3. Respect for religious accommodation through reasonable and non-discriminatory identification and screening procedures that respect the religious convictions of Muslim candidates.

4. No collective punishment, as any candidate suspected of examination malpractice should be investigated and dealt with individually in accordance with established rules and due process.

5. Protection of candidates' academic future, ensuring no Muslim female candidate loses an examination opportunity or suffers academic disadvantage for observing her religious obligations.

The MSSN B-Zone also called on the Council of Legal Education, the Nigerian Law School management, the Body of Benchers, relevant government authorities and the Nigerian Bar Association to intervene urgently.

"We recognise that the integrity of professional examinations must be protected. However, examination security and religious freedom are not mutually exclusive. A credible institution should be capable of safeguarding both without compelling students to abandon their sincerely held religious convictions," the letter stated.

"Muslim women are not asking for favours, privileges or special treatment. They are demanding respect for their fundamental rights and the opportunity to pursue their professional aspirations without being forced to compromise their faith."

The open letter was copied to the Chairman of the Council of Legal Education, the Chairman of the Body of Benchers, the President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), the Honourable Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, the Honourable Minister of Education, the Chairman of the National Human Rights Commission, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters, the Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Justice, the Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Human Rights, the Director-General of the Department of State Service, the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), the Muslim Lawyers' Association of Nigeria (MULAN), the MSSN National Headquarters in Gwarimpa, Abuja, and the Federation of Muslim Women's Associations in Nigeria (FOMWAN).