“Protest, Sue Medical Colleges Over Hijab Ban,” MURIC Urges Female Students

The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC), an Islamic human rights organization, has raised concerns over what it describes as the systematic oppression of Muslim nursing students in Nigerian medical colleges. The group has identified the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, as one of the institutions allegedly involved in discriminatory practices, citing its restrictions on Muslim students’ dress codes.

In a statement issued on Monday, MURIC’s Executive Director, Professor Ishaq Akintola, revealed that the organization has received numerous complaints from Muslim student nurses. According to Akintola, these complaints detail how some medical institutions prohibit Muslim students from wearing trousers or hijabs, despite professional guidelines allowing such attire.

Akintola stated that this practice is in direct violation of the rights of Muslim students, as Islamic principles mandate modest dressing, including long skirts, trousers, and hijabs. He emphasized that forcing Muslim students to adhere to dress codes that conflict with their religious beliefs constitutes persecution. He also noted that some institutions have reportedly introduced new rules compelling students to sign dress code agreements under the threat of expulsion.

The MURIC leader described these actions as unconstitutional, pointing out that Section 38(i) and (ii) of the 1999 Nigerian Constitution guarantees freedom of religion. He argued that educational institutions have no authority to enforce policies that violate constitutional provisions. “Even new rules and regulations promulgated by any institution must conform with the Nigerian Constitution, otherwise they are null and void,” Akintola said, referencing Chapter 1, Part 1, Section 1(1) and (3) of the Constitution, which asserts its supremacy over all laws and policies.

He further criticized the nursing dress code promoted by many schools, which he described as a colonial legacy that imposes Christian-inspired standards. “Insisting that nurses in Nigeria must dress like British nurses is a relic of colonial mentality,” Akintola added.

MURIC has called for legal action and peaceful protests to address these concerns, urging female Muslim students to defend their rights and challenge discriminatory policies in court. The group maintains that the fight for inclusive dress codes is both a legal and moral obligation, ensuring that all students can practice their faith freely within academic environments.