--Advertisement--

TRENDING: Hijab-wearing law graduate denied call to bar for breaking dress code

Amasa Firdaus, a law graduate who wasn’t called to the Nigerian bar for refusing to remove her hijab, has ignited a debate on social media.

Firdaus was reportedly denied entry into the hall at a ceremony which took place at the International Conference Centre, Abuja, on December 12.

She had refused to remove her hijab, insisting on wearing the wig over the veil, which is said to violate the dress code set by the law school.

The hijab is a covering prescribed by Islam to be worn by Muslim women.

Advertisement

Firdaus had described the action of the law school as “a violation of her rights”.

Meanwhile, AB Mahmoud, president of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), says the controversy surrounding Amasa’s use of hijab is needles.

Mahmoud posted a picture of his daughter in hijab, on the day she was called to the New York bar.

Advertisement

He said the issue will be addressed.

“My Daughter Zubaida Mahmoud at the ceremony admitting her to the New York Bar earlier this year…the controversy here on Hijab is needless,” the tweet read.

“UK based Nigerian lawyer recognized for promoting diversity in the legal profession. The NBA will embrace diversity and tolerance in the Nigerian legal profession. The Hijab issue will be addressed.”

NIGERIANS REACT

While Mahmoud, at the helm of the law, has made known his stance, many Nigerians have taken to various social media platforms to air their view on the controversial issue, with some for and others against Firdaus’s stand.

Advertisement

While some backed their arguments with the law, others contributed to the argument based on emotions and sentiments.

Some commenters shared pictures of female lawyers in hijab and even those in other professions, arguing that the veil does not hinder their ability to do their jobs.

Advertisement

Ogundiran Teslin, a law student who was called to bar on Wednesday in Abuja, said hijabs are frowned upon and that the subject is aware of it.

Advertisement

Writing on his Facebook page, Teslin said he “see[s] no reason why the lady couldn’t remove her Hijab for 3 hours or less. She knew the rules of the school, she just decided to challenge it in the wrong manner”.

https://twitter.com/GalacticoHD/status/941552771475673089

https://twitter.com/IamDamilosky/status/941466142627024896

While people are voicing their opinions, Gbadamosi Abdul-Qayyum, a Facebook user, is waiting for Femi Falana, human rights lawyer, to air his view.

After all said and done, it begs the question; will Firdau’s ‘rebellion’ usher in a new era for Nigerian female Muslim lawyers or will more Firdaus spring up in subsequent years?

Add a comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

error: Content is protected from copying.