The Muslim Students’ Society of Nigeria, Lagos State Area Unit (MSSNLagos), has condemned the reported harassment of hijab-wearing female Muslim candidates at various Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) centres across Lagos State, vowing to take legal action if such incidents persist.
The group raised concerns following reports that some female candidates were coerced into removing their hijabs before being allowed to continue their exams, in clear violation of their constitutional rights and established UTME guidelines.
In a statement issued on Friday by its Amir (President), Kamoldeen Abiona, MSSNLagos specifically cited a case at Caleb University, a Christian-owned institution in Ikorodu, where candidates were allegedly forced to take off their hijabs. Abiona described the incident as “egregious” and a “direct affront to religious freedom.”
“It is disheartening to report ongoing incidents of discrimination against female candidates wearing hijabs,” the statement read. “Despite established protocols permitting hijab use, some candidates continue to face coercion and intimidation. These actions are deeply disturbing and unacceptable.”
Calls for JAMB Intervention
The student body urged the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) to take swift action by investigating the incidents and sanctioning any centre found guilty of such practices.
“JAMB must demonstrate that it does not support these discriminatory actions. Centres found culpable should face appropriate sanctions, and affected candidates must be allowed to retake their exams without any form of religious bias,” Abiona added.
Legal Action Looms
MSSNLagos warned that it would pursue legal redress if the harassment continues. “We will not hesitate to initiate legal proceedings against any examination centre or JAMB itself if this discrimination persists. The hijab is both legally permissible and a religious obligation. This level of intolerance cannot be allowed in our educational system,” the statement asserted.
The group reiterated its commitment to promoting peaceful coexistence and protecting the rights of Muslim students across all academic institutions. It also urged school authorities and examination centres to respect diversity and uphold the principles of equity and religious freedom.
Background
The issue of hijab use in educational institutions has long been a subject of public discourse in Nigeria. Court rulings and government guidelines have consistently upheld the rights of Muslim females to wear hijabs in schools and during public examinations, provided security protocols are observed.
MSSNLagos has called on stakeholders to respect these legal provisions and foster an inclusive environment that upholds the dignity and rights of all students, regardless of their religious affiliation.
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