*Says Female Candidates Must Be Screened By Female Staff
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The Muslim Students’ Society of Nigeria (MSSN), Nigerian Law School, Bwari Campus, Abuja, has announced the peaceful resolution of concerns raised by female Muslim candidates over the wearing of hijabs, prescribed clothing and security screening procedures during the first phase of the 2026 Bar Final Examinations.
The Society said the resolution followed a stakeholders’ meeting convened at the instance of the Director-General of the Nigerian Law School, during which the complaints arising from the first day of the examinations were formally presented, discussed and addressed.
In a statement dated November 2, 2026, and signed by its Secretary-General, Muhammad Alfa Muhammad, the MSSN disclosed that the meeting produced clarifications on permissible clothing and the procedures to be followed when screening candidates for examinations.
The Society explained that the engagement was necessary following concerns raised by female Muslim candidates about the application of examination dress regulations and screening arrangements.
According to the statement, the Director-General was represented at the meeting by the Director of Academics, S. T. Abdulrahman, Esq.
Other officials in attendance included the Director of Student Affairs, Mr. Chinedu Ukekwe; Director of Examinations and Records, Mrs. Stella Nosike; K. I. Nuhu, Esq.; Mrs. Aishatu Umar; and the Deputy Director of Library and Chairman of the Muslim Ummah, Mr. Sheu Mohammed.
Examination supervisors, invigilators and representatives of the MSSN also participated in the discussions.
The Society said the meeting provided an opportunity for the concerns of affected candidates to be examined through constructive institutional dialogue, with the aim of ensuring that examination regulations were enforced without compromising their dignity and religious convictions.
Following the deliberations, the Nigerian Law School management clarified that female Muslim candidates would be permitted to wear shoulder-length hijabs during examinations.
It also confirmed that skirts could extend to the ankles, while flowing gowns would be permitted provided they did not extend beyond ankle length.
However, management maintained that abayas and bubu-style clothing were not permitted under the prescribed examination dress code.
The statement further clarified that socks were allowed, subject to compliance with the applicable screening procedures.
On examination security arrangements, management confirmed that female candidates would be screened by designated female staff, while male candidates would be screened by designated male staff.
Dedicated personnel would also be assigned to carry out the screening exercises.
According to the Society, the agreed screening procedures would include checks of relevant areas, including the ears and neck, in accordance with examination security requirements.
However, all screening exercises must be conducted professionally, with appropriate decorum and consideration for the dignity of candidates.
The MSSN welcomed the clarifications and urged candidates to familiarise themselves with the dress code and screening procedures before attending subsequent examinations.
It also advised candidates to arrive early at their respective examination venues to allow sufficient time for screening and other entry requirements.
The Society expressed the expectation that examination supervisors, invigilators and other relevant personnel would implement the agreed arrangements consistently and professionally throughout the remaining examination period.
Announcing the outcome of the meeting, the MSSN stated that the concerns arising from the earlier incidents had been formally presented, addressed and peacefully resolved through engagement with the management of the Nigerian Law School.
The Society expressed appreciation to the Director-General for initiating the meeting and commended S. T. Abdulrahman, Esq., for representing management and facilitating discussions aimed at resolving the complaints.
It also acknowledged the contributions of the Chairman of the Muslim Ummah and his delegation, the Student Affairs Department, the Director of Examinations and Records, examination supervisors and invigilators.
The MSSN further disclosed that a delegation of the Muslim Lawyers Association of Nigeria (MULAN), Abuja Branch, led by its Chairman, visited the campus and expressed satisfaction with the outcome of the engagement.
Following the resolution, the Society appealed to Muslim students, parents, guardians, Islamic organisations, religious leaders and members of the public to remain calm and allow the agreed arrangements to take effect.
It specifically discouraged speculation, inflammatory commentary, misinformation and any action capable of undermining the understanding reached with the Law School management.
The Society reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the dignity, religious convictions and fundamental rights of Muslim students while recognising the importance of examination integrity, institutional cooperation and peaceful coexistence.
It maintained that respect for religious convictions and compliance with legitimate examination regulations were not mutually exclusive.
Addressing the affected female candidates, the MSSN acknowledged their patience, resilience and composure during what it described as difficult experiences on the first examination day.
It assured them that their complaints had been heard, communicated to management and addressed through the stakeholders’ engagement.
The Society encouraged the candidates to proceed with renewed confidence, remain focused on their examinations and comply with the arrangements communicated for the remaining examination exercises.
The MSSN maintained that the concerns raised over hijabs, clothing requirements and screening procedures had been peacefully laid to rest and urged all parties to move forward in unity and mutual respect.
It emphasised that the immediate priority should be the welfare of candidates and the peaceful completion of the 2026 Bar Final Examinations.
The Society also thanked the Nigerian Law School management for its willingness to engage with the affected students and resolve the complaints through dialogue.
It expressed confidence that the remaining examination days would proceed peacefully, with candidates treated with dignity, fairness and respect.
The statement concluded with prayers for the candidates’ success in the examinations.
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