Dress code remains an important aspect of discipline at the Nigerian Law School, where students are expected to maintain standards befitting the legal profession.

However, the institution’s dress policy has come under public scrutiny following allegations of discriminatory treatment of female Muslim candidates wearing the hijab during the ongoing Bar Final Examinations.

The examinations, which commenced on October 31, are scheduled to end on November 7, 2026.

The controversy followed reports that some female candidates wearing long hijabs were allegedly denied entry into examination halls, particularly at the Bwari Campus in Abuja.

Reports of candidates reportedly breaking down in tears after being restricted by school authorities have since triggered reactions from various religious and interest groups.

While Muslim organisations insist that the hijab, recognised under Part B, Rule 5 of the Nigerian Law School’s Code of Conduct for Students as acceptable attire for female students, should also be permitted during examinations, the Association of Traditional Worshippers in Nigeria has called for equal recognition of the religious rights of its members.

The association argues that traditional worshippers should equally be allowed to participate in school activities wearing their religious regalia, just as Muslim students are permitted to wear the hijab.

Reacting to the development, the Muslim Students’ Society of Nigeria (MSSN), B-Zone, in an open letter issued on the first day of the examinations, condemned the reported restrictions, describing them as discriminatory.

The organisation called for an immediate review of the examination screening arrangements, insisting that Muslim candidates should not be compelled to compromise their religious convictions to participate in the examinations.

It maintained that the hijab is an expression of religious identity and should neither be treated as an examination offence nor interpreted as an indication of academic misconduct.

Citing Sections 38 and 42 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, which guarantee freedom of thought, conscience and religion, as well as protection against discrimination, the society argued that candidates should not be subjected to unequal treatment on account of their faith.

Similarly, the Muslim Public Affairs Centre (MPAC) Nigeria, through its Executive Chairman, Disu Kamor, criticised the reported treatment of hijab-wearing candidates, disclosing that the organisation had received complaints from the Bwari and Lagos campuses of the Law School.

Also weighing in, the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) called for the suspension of the examinations across all Nigerian Law School campuses over what it described as the harassment, intimidation and exclusion of female Muslim candidates wearing the hijab.

In a statement issued by its Founder and Executive Director, Professor Ishaq Akintola, the Islamic human rights organisation also demanded an investigation into the reported incidents.

MURIC threatened to mobilise parents, Muslim youths and other stakeholders for peaceful protests across Law School campuses nationwide if its demands were not addressed.

The organisation said candidates who arrived at examination centres hoping to sit for their final Bar examinations were allegedly prevented from entering the halls because of their hijabs.

It added that its office had received several telephone calls, text messages and online complaints from distressed candidates, worried parents and concerned Muslims across the country.