The Muslim Public Affairs Centre (MPAC) and the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) have criticized the Council of Legal Education over its denial of discrimination against female Muslim candidates wearing hijab during the October 31, 2026 Bar Final Examinations. In separate statements issued on November 5, the two Muslim organizations faulted the Council's November 4 official statement, which described reports of harassment, intimidation, and exclusion of hijab-wearing candidates as false.
MPAC accused the Council of failing to address specific complaints raised by candidates and eyewitnesses, while MURIC described its denial as unacceptable. According to MPAC Executive Chairman, Disu Kamor, some female candidates were stopped at the entrance of the Main Multipurpose Hall, compelled to remove their hijabs, and re-wrap them like turbans before being allowed into the examination venue.
MURIC Founder and Executive Director, Professor Ishaq Akintola, called on the Council of Legal Education to sack the Director-General of the Nigerian Law School over the controversy, accusing her of nursing an anti-Muslim mindset. Akintola questioned why the institution would dismiss reports of restrictions despite the existence of written instructions circulated at some of its campuses.
MPAC cited the Supreme Court judgment in Lagos State Government & Others v. Asiyat Abdulkareem & Others (SC/910/2016), delivered on June 17, 2022, which affirmed the constitutional protection of hijab. The organization also cited Section 42 of the 1999 Constitution, which prohibits religious discrimination, and Section 287, which provides for the enforcement of decisions of superior courts.
The Council of Legal Education, however, maintained in its November 4 statement that it had no policy or institutional practice of religious discrimination, insisting that examination security measures were necessary to protect candidates' identities and academic integrity. The Council urged the public to exercise restraint and allow the appropriate institutional processes to establish the facts.
The hijab controversy revives a 2017 incident where Firdaus Amasa was prevented from participating in the Call to Bar ceremony because she insisted on wearing her hijab with her legal attire. The Body of Benchers subsequently approved its use in June 2018, paving the way for her eventual Call to Bar in July of the same year.
MPAC and MURIC have demanded an independent investigation into the October 31 incidents, a review of available CCTV footage, and interviews with affected candidates and eyewitnesses. They also called for the publication of the circular permitting hijab and a clear directive against compelling candidates to remove or alter their religious garments in public.
Key points
- MPAC and MURIC criticize Council of Legal Education's denial of discrimination against hijab-wearing candidates
- MURIC demands sack of Nigerian Law School Director-General over anti-Muslim mindset
- Council of Legal Education urged to investigate October 31 incidents and publish circular permitting hijab
