Nigerian Law School Denies Religious Discrimination, Says Female Student Wearing Hijab Was Caught With Phone, Earpiece During Exam

The Nigerian Law School has denied allegations that female Muslim candidates wearing hijab were harassed, intimidated or prevented from taking the Bar Final Examinations held on Saturday, October 31, 2026.

The institution described the reports as false, insisting that it has no policy or institutional practice of religious discrimination and remains committed to protecting the constitutional rights and religious freedoms of all candidates.

The denial comes amid controversy over the alleged enforcement of the Law School’s examination dress code and reported objections by Muslim groups to the treatment of female candidates wearing hijab.

In an official statement signed by its Secretary to Council and Director of Administration, A.O. Osho, the Law School said its examinations were conducted under established regulations designed to ensure proper identification, examination security and academic integrity.

The institution, however, disclosed that a female Bar Part I student wearing hijab was apprehended on October 29, 2026, after she was allegedly found with electronic devices concealed on her body.

“On the 29th day of October 2026, a Bar Part I female student with her Hijab on was found with ear pod and a phone strapped to her thigh. This incident is still being investigated under the school rules and extant regulations,” the statement said.

The Law School said the incident reinforced the need for strict examination security measures, while stressing that such measures must be applied fairly and without disrimination.

“The apprehension of the female student for examination malpractice during the Bar Part I examinations further underscores the necessity for strict and effective examination security measures. Such measures, however, must be applied fairly and without discrimination,” it added.

The institution also said it recognises the constitutional protections provided under Sections 38 and 42 of the 1999 Constitution, which cover religious freedom and protection against discrimination.

It maintained that it respects the religious rights of candidates while taking steps to protect the integrity of its examinations.

“Management is taking steps to verify the reported incidents and will address any established departure from approved institutional procedures in accordance with due process,” the statement said.

The Law School urged stakeholders to avoid drawing conclusions before the ongoing verification process was completed.

“The Nigerian Law School therefore urges stakeholders to exercise restraint, avoid premature conclusions and allow the appropriate institutional processes to establish the facts,” it added.

The controversy follows a statement by the Association of Traditional Worshippers in Nigeria, which condemned reported threats by a Muslim group to protest the Law School’s enforcement of its dress code during the examinations.

In a statement reported earlier on Monday, the association said it supported the enforcement of established examination regulations but insisted that adherents of African Traditional Religion should enjoy the same religious rights and accommodation if Muslim candidates were permitted to wear hijab.

The group argued that religious freedom should not be selectively extended to particular faiths.

“Our position, however, is founded on the inviolable principle of equality, religious freedom and non-discrimination. If Muslim students are permitted to wear hijabs during examinations on the basis of religious convictions, then students who practise traditional African religions must equally be permitted to manifest their religious identities and convictions without discrimination, marginalisation or institutional hostility,” it said.

The association also commended the Law School authorities for enforcing their regulations, arguing that institutions should not be subjected to pressure or intimidation over the application of established rules.

It said, “We commend the Nigerian Law School authorities for demonstrating institutional courage, administrative discipline and fidelity to established rules and regulations. No institution can function effectively where rules are selectively obeyed, arbitrarily interpreted or subjected to religious pressure and mob intimidation.”

The group further called on the institution to ensure that any religious accommodation granted to candidates was extended equally to adherents of all religious beliefs, including African Traditional Religion.

“We therefore urge the Nigerian Law School to maintain fairness, consistency and impartiality in the application of its regulations. If there is room for religious accommodation, such accommodation must be extended equitably to all recognised religious beliefs, including African Traditional Religion. Alternatively, the institution must apply its dress code uniformly without yielding to threats, intimidation or religious blackmail,” the statement read.

It also urged the Muslim group reportedly threatening demonstrations to pursue dialogue and resolve the matter through established administrative and legal channels.