The Muslim Students’ Society of Nigeria (MSSN) has condemned reports that female Muslim candidates are being prevented from wearing hijabs into examination halls for the Nigerian Law School Bar Final Examinations, describing the alleged restriction as discriminatory and a violation of constitutional rights.
The Society, in a statement dated October 31, 2026, and signed by its National Amir, Engr. Mustapha Tajudeen Olumide, and National Public Relations Officer, Mallam Moshood Abiola Olatunbi, called on the Nigerian Law School management to immediately clarify its position and ensure that Muslim candidates are not denied access to their examinations because of their religious beliefs.
MSSN said the reported restriction, if confirmed, could undermine the rights of Muslim women and create unnecessary obstacles to their educational and professional aspirations.
It expressed concern that the controversy had emerged at a critical stage in the careers of the affected candidates, who had spent years preparing to qualify as legal practitioners.
The organisation maintained that religious identity should not become a reason for denying any candidate the opportunity to complete a professional examination.
“Let it be stated without equivocation: THE HIJAB IS NOT AN EXAMINATION OFFENCE,” the statement declared.
While acknowledging the need to protect the credibility and security of professional examinations, MSSN said it did not support examination malpractice or any breach of established regulations.
However, it argued that alleged misconduct by an individual should not be used as justification for imposing a general restriction on all female Muslim candidates who wear hijab.
The Society maintained that suspected examination violations should be investigated individually, with appropriate disciplinary action taken against anyone found culpable in accordance with established procedures.
It further urged the authorities to distinguish between examination security requirements and the constitutional right of citizens to practise their religion.
Citing the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria, as amended, MSSN referred to Section 38, which guarantees freedom of thought, conscience and religion, and Section 42, which prohibits discrimination on specified grounds, including religion.
The organisation also recalled the Supreme Court judgment delivered on June 17, 2022, in the case of Lagos State Government and Others v. Asiyat AbdulKareem and Others, which affirmed the right of Muslim female students to wear hijab in public schools.
According to MSSN, although examination authorities may introduce reasonable security procedures, such measures must be lawful, proportionate and non-discriminatory.
The Society also expressed concern that the reported development could revive memories of the controversy involving Amasa Firdaus in 2017, when her decision to wear hijab during the Call to Bar ceremony generated nationwide debate.
It said the Nigerian legal profession should have made greater progress in protecting religious freedom since that incident rather than allowing similar concerns to arise again.
MSSN argued that the Nigerian Law School, as an institution responsible for preparing future legal practitioners, should uphold constitutionalism, equality, fairness and respect for human dignity.
In its demands, the organisation called for the immediate withdrawal of any blanket restriction on hijab-wearing candidates and urged the authorities to guarantee their unhindered access to examination halls.
It also requested reasonable religious accommodation where identity verification and examination security procedures are required, including screening arrangements that respect the dignity and religious convictions of Muslim candidates.
The Society further called for the intervention of the Council of Legal Education, the Nigerian Law School management, the Body of Benchers, the Federal Ministry of Justice and the Nigerian Bar Association to ensure an urgent resolution of the matter.
It insisted that no candidate should lose an examination opportunity or suffer academic and professional setbacks because of her decision to observe her religious beliefs.
MSSN also appealed to the Federal Government and relevant institutions to protect the rights of Muslim women and prevent the disagreement from developing into another national controversy.
The organisation stressed that Muslim women were not demanding special privileges but equal treatment and respect for their constitutional rights.
“A Muslim woman should not have to remove her hijab to prove her competence, demonstrate her honesty or earn the right to become a lawyer. Her religious identity does not diminish her intellectual capacity, professional integrity or commitment to justice,” the statement said.
Reaffirming its commitment to protecting the rights and welfare of Muslim students across the country, MSSN said it would continue to engage relevant authorities through lawful and constructive means.
The Society concluded by praying for the success of the affected candidates in their examinations and urging the authorities to resolve the matter in a manner that upholds justice and constitutional rights.
