Hijab challenged during Nigerian Bar examinations
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on Vanguard
Female candidates wearing the hijab were allegedly prevented from entering an examination room at the Nigerian Law School, notably at the Bwari campus in Abuja. Muslim organisations are calling for the permitted attire to remain allowed, as the Bar examinations continue until 7 November, reports Vanguard.
Female candidates wearing the hijab were prevented from accessing some rooms during the Nigerian Bar final examinations, notably at the Bwari campus in Abuja, according to the Vanguard newspaper. Some students were allegedly turned away or forced to limit their veils as the examinations, which began on 31 October, are due to end on 7 November.
The Muslim Students’ Society of Nigeria, B-Zone branch, called for an immediate review of the checks in an open letter. The organisation believes that the hijab, which is permitted under the Nigerian Law School’s Code of Conduct for Students, is neither an examination violation nor an indication of cheating. The Muslim Public Affairs Centre also reported complaints concerning the Bwari and Lagos campuses.
Muslim Rights Concern called for the examinations to be suspended. Muslim organisations cited provisions of Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution that protect freedom of religion and prohibit discrimination. The Association of Traditional Worshippers in Nigeria, for its part, called for its members also to be allowed to take part in the school’s activities in traditional dress, in the interests of equal treatment for religious practices.
