Hijab: Muslim groups condemn law school

Muslim groups in the country have condemned refusal to call Firdaus Amasa to the Bar due to her adorning Hijab.

In a statement, the National President of Muslim Media Practitioners of Nigeria (MMPN), Alhaji Abdur-Rahman Balogun said the refusal by the authorities of the Nigerian Law School to call Firdaus Amasa to the Nigerian Bar was a gross violation of her right to freedom of religion as provided by Section 38 of the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria as amended.

Groups that supported the position included Muslim Lawyers Association of Nigeria (MULAN), Federation of Muslim Women Association in Nigeria (FOMWAN), Muslim Students’ Society of Nigeria (MSSN), Abuja Muslim Forum (AMF) and Obafemi Awolowo University Muslim Graduates Association (UNIFEMGA).

“We have taken our time to study, listen and hear all shades of opinion on this matter and we are of the opinion that despite Firdaus compromise of adorning a harmless and simple Hijab, her refusal to be called to the Bar is an infringement on her fundamental human right.

“One is not sure of what is the Nigerian Law School and the Council of Legal Education afraid of. The world is moving away from that rigid thinking and leaving Nigeria behind as wig on hijab are allowed in countries like US, UK and Kenya to mention just a few.

“It is our belief that female lawyers in Nigeria, like their counterparts in other advanced countries, should be allowed to dress properly in accordance with their belief,” Balogun said.