MURIC accuses nursing schools of hijab intimidation, threatens legal action

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School girls in hijab [Picture used for illustrative purpose]

The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has accused several nursing schools across Nigeria, including the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, of engaging in practices that it claims discriminate against Muslim nursing students.

The group has called on authorities to intervene and ensure compliance with constitutional rights, threatening peaceful protests and legal action if the situation is not addressed.

In a statement issued on Monday, December 16, 2024, MURIC’s Executive Director, Professor Ishaq Akintola, described the alleged acts of intimidation as oppressive and unconstitutional. He emphasized that the rights of Muslim students to wear hijabs and trousers are protected under Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution.

Accusations Against Nursing Schools


MURIC detailed allegations that some nursing school authorities, including UCH Ibadan, prohibit Muslim students from wearing trousers and hijabs despite existing nursing council rules permitting such attire. Akintola stated:

“The complainants narrate how trousers are not allowed for Muslim students who desire to use them, whereas the council governing the nursing profession states in its rules that students can use trousers or gowns. Forcing female Muslims to wear short skirts or disallowing hijab is deliberate persecution.”

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He argued that such restrictions violate Section 38 of the Nigerian Constitution, which guarantees freedom of religion, and warned that newly imposed school regulations designed to compel students to forgo their religious dress are void under the Constitution’s supremacy clause.

Impact on Muslim Students


MURIC also alleged that the actions of some nursing schools have led to the forced conversion of Muslim students to Christianity, with others dropping out due to frustration. Akintola described these actions as a deliberate attempt to monopolize the nursing profession, particularly in Southern Nigeria.

“This crude, inhuman, and despicable treatment of female Muslim nursing students has led to the conversion of many of them to Christianity due to frustration. While Muslims on sickbeds are cajoled into submission, Muslims seeking admission into nursing schools are often frustrated,” Akintola said.

The group further claimed that Muslim students are being denied the opportunity to attend Jumu’ah (Friday) prayers, as lectures are reportedly scheduled during prayer times.

Call for Action


MURIC urged the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria to address these issues immediately, warning that continued inaction could provoke nationwide demonstrations.

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“We demand immediate intervention before Nigerian Muslims are forced to act. Oppression cannot be justified, and the patience of Muslim parents, siblings, and the larger community has its limits,” Akintola stated.

The group expressed readiness to leverage legal avenues, including seeking damages in court for the alleged persecution of Muslim nursing students.

Broader Implications


MURIC warned that such actions risk inciting religious tension in the country, noting that institutions must respect Nigeria’s multicultural and multi-religious landscape.

“Rules and regulations, including dress codes, must not place restrictions on religious beliefs. It is better to intervene now than to wait until Muslims react through protests or legal action,” Akintola stated.

The group reiterated its commitment to protecting the rights of Nigerian Muslims, emphasizing that both education and health are essential for national development and should not be weaponized against any group.

MURIC concluded by calling on all stakeholders to prioritize dialogue and inclusivity, urging nursing schools to adopt practices that respect the diversity of their students.


The Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria has yet to respond to the allegations.

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