The Muslim Students’ Society of Nigeria (MSSN) has commended the Nigerian Law School on the resolution concerns arising from wearing of hijab, prescribed clothing and examination screening procedures for female Muslim candidates during the first phase of the 2026 Bar Final Examinations.

While thanking the Law School management “for its willingness to engage and resolve the concerns through dialogue,” the association wrote: “MSSN remains grateful to the Nigerian Law School Management for its willingness to engage and resolve the concerns through dialogue. We trust that the remaining examination days will proceed peacefully, with all candidates treated with dignity, fairness and respect.”

The association wrote: “The Society is pleased to announce that the concerns arising from the earlier incidents have been formally presented, addressed and peacefully resolved through the engagement with Management. We particularly appreciate the initiative of the Director-General in convening the meeting and acknowledge the representation and intervention of S. T. Abdulrahman, Esq (Director Academics) in facilitating the discussions and ensuring that the concerns received the necessary attention.”

The Council of Legal Education is led by respected Bar Leader, Chief Emeka Ngige SAN, OFR while Dr. Gbemi Odusote is the pioneer female Director-General of the school in over 60 years.

Below is the full text of the statement by the association.

MUSLIM STUDENTS’ SOCIETY OF NIGERIA (MSSN)

NIGERIAN LAW SCHOOL, BWARI CAMPUS, ABUJA

PRESS STATEMENT

2 NOVEMBER 2026

MSSN WELCOMES MANAGEMENT INTERVENTION, ANNOUNCES RESOLUTION OF HIJAB AND EXAMINATION SCREENING CONCERNS AT NIGERIAN LAW SCHOOL.

1. The Muslim Students’ Society of Nigeria (MSSN), Nigerian Law School, Bwari Campus, Abuja, wishes to inform its members, parents, guardians, Islamic organisations and the general public of the outcome of the stakeholders’ engagement convened at the instance of the Director-General of the Nigerian Law School, who was ably represented by S. T. Abdulrahman, Esq, Director Academics; and also attended by Mr. Chinedu Ukekwe (Director, Students Affair); Mrs. Stella Nosike (Director, E & R); K. I. Nuhu, Esq; Mrs. Aishatu Umar; Mr. Sheu Mohammed (Deputy Director, Library)/Chairman of Muslim Ummah, following concerns arising from the first phase of the 2026 Bar Final Examinations concerning the wearing of hijab, prescribed clothing and examination screening procedures for female Muslim candidates.
2. Also in attendance at the meeting were Examination Supervisors, Invigilators and representatives of MSSN. The meeting provided an opportunity for the concerns raised by affected candidates to be formally presented, examined and addressed through constructive institutional dialogue.
3. Following deliberations, the Management communicated the following clarifications concerning the approved dress code for female candidates:

a. Abaya is not permitted.

b. Shoulder-length hijabs are permitted.

c. Skirts and gowns must comply with the prescribed length requirements (Skirts can be long up to the ankle).

d. Flowing gowns are permitted, provided they do not extend beyond the ankle.

e. Bubu-style wears are not permitted.

f. Socks are permitted, subject to the prescribed screening procedures.

4. With regard to examination security and screening arrangements, the Management further clarified that:

a. Female candidates shall be screened by designated female staff, while male candidates shall be screened by designated male staff.

b. Dedicated personnel shall be assigned to conduct the screening exercises.

c. Appropriate screening shall include checks of relevant areas, including the ears and neck, in accordance with examination security requirements.

d. All screening exercises shall be conducted professionally, with due decorum and consideration for the dignity of candidates.

5. The Society notes these clarifications and urges all candidates to familiarise themselves with the communicated requirements, comply accordingly and arrive early at their respective examination venues to allow sufficient time for screening and other entry procedures. The Society equally expects all relevant examination personnel to implement the agreed arrangements consistently and professionally throughout the remaining examination period.
6. The Society is pleased to announce that the concerns arising from the earlier incidents have been formally presented, addressed and peacefully resolved through the engagement with Management. We particularly appreciate the initiative of the Director-General in convening the meeting and acknowledge the representation and intervention of S. T. Abdulrahman, Esq (Director Academics) in facilitating the discussions and ensuring that the concerns received the necessary attention.
7. MSSN equally expresses its appreciation to the Chairman of the Muslim Ummah and his delegation, the Students Affairs Department, the Director of Examinations and Records, Supervisors and Invigilators for their participation and contributions towards the clarifications and resolutions reached.
8. In view of the outcome of the engagement, the Society calls on all Muslim students, parents, guardians, Islamic organisations, religious leaders and members of the general public to remain calm, exercise restraint and allow the peaceful resolution reached to take effect. We particularly discourage speculation, inflammatory commentary, misinformation or any action capable of undermining the understanding achieved through this engagement.
9. The Society reiterates its commitment to the protection of the dignity, religious convictions and fundamental rights of Muslim students, while recognising the importance of examination integrity, institutional cooperation and peaceful coexistence. We believe that respect for religious convictions and the enforcement of legitimate examination regulations can and must coexist.
10. To our sisters, we acknowledge your patience, resilience and composure throughout the difficult experiences of the first examination day. Your concerns were heard, communicated and addressed. We encourage you to proceed with renewed confidence, remain focused on your examinations and trust that the arrangements communicated will guide the remaining examination exercises.
11. The Society considers the concerns addressed through this engagement peacefully laid to rest and urges all members to move forward in unity, mutual respect and renewed commitment to the successful completion of the Bar Final Examinations. Our collective priority must now be the welfare of all candidates and the peaceful conclusion of this important academic journey.
12. It is noteworthy to also mention that a delegation of the Muslim Lawyers Association of Nigeria (MULAN), Abuja Branch, lead by her Chairman, also came around and feel satisfied with the outcomes of the engagement.
13. MSSN remains grateful to the Nigerian Law School Management for its willingness to engage and resolve the concerns through dialogue. We trust that the remaining examination days will proceed peacefully, with all candidates treated with dignity, fairness and respect.

May Allah grant all candidates clarity, understanding, ease and outstanding success. Āmīn.

SIGNED:

MUHAMMAD ALFA MUHAMMAD
Secretary General
Muslim Students’ Society of Nigeria (MSSN)
Nigerian Law School, Bwari Campus, Abuja.

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