Law School: we did not stop hijab-wearing candidates from writing Bar exams

The Nigerian Law School has denied claims that Muslim women wearing the hijab were harassed or turned away from the Bar Final Examinations.

In a statement on its Facebook page, the school's Secretary to the Council and Director of Administration, Aderonke Osho, described the allegations as false. She said the school has no policy of religious discrimination, and that its exam rules are only meant to confirm candidates' identity and prevent cheating.

The school said that during the Bar Part I examinations on 29 October, a female candidate wearing a hijab was allegedly found hiding an earpiece under her headscarf, with a phone taped to her leg. It said the case is being investigated.

The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) had criticised the alleged restrictions, saying other candidates should not be punished for one person's alleged misconduct.

In 2022, the Supreme Court upheld the right of Muslim pupils in Lagos public schools to wear the hijab. The Law School cited the constitution's guarantees of religious freedom and urged the public not to jump to conclusions.