A law school graduate identified as Amasa Firdaus wasn’t called to the Nigerian bar on the 12th of December 2017 because she was wearing Muslim apparel for women known as a hijab.
Firdaus, a 2.1 graduate from the University of Ilorin, refused to remove her hijab as she insisted on wearing her wig on it.
With the failure of Amasa Firdaus to be called on the 12th of December this year, it means she can only be called next year, and that is only if she is seen as fit and proper, and the same scenario does not occur.
Meanwhile, sources at the ICC stated that before the ceremonies were to begin, all Muslims were respectfully asked to remove their hijabs before entering the hall. This request was complied with by all the Muslims present except Amasa Firdaus, who vehemently refused to remove hers.
In the process of her protests and despite entreaties made to her by other Muslims, she was denied entry into the hall by the Body of Benchers. During the ceremony, a respected former chief justice of Nigeria also met with Amasa Firdaus to convince her to remove her hijab, but she did not heed the pleadings as she reiterated that even at gunpoint, she would never remove her hijab.
The story has gone viral courtesy of her friend @Savvy_Ruqqy, and people have been reacting to it, with many saying she went against the law.
ALSO READ: ‘The Real Reason Why I Refused To Remove My Hijab’ – Law Graduate Denied Call To Bar Speaks
Here are some reactions.
If you cannot obey the Law, you’re not fit to practise Law.
I commend the action taken against the lady that wore hijab, the institution already has a dress code, you can’t come and impose your ideology on them.
She should drink water on her L
PS: I’m a Muslim too??
— Your Worst Behavior (@callme_hod) December 14, 2017
It’s not a specific hijab ban let’s get that straight. Law school does not target hijabis. You’re just not allowed to have any thing on your head during call. You’re not even allowed to fix a weave or braids or whatever. Just your hair .
— Pepisko D. Pepeye (@MissIgho) December 14, 2017
“Aminat, we are on site you need to use your safety helmet well. Please do the needful ”
“Oga, I’m sorry.. I can’t remove my hijab because “Next thing crane with plenty concrete block lands on Aminat head. Booom Aminat is now with Allah.
????????
— Chairlady (@LadyToluu) December 14, 2017
I was there and others who wore hijab took it off when it was time for the ceremony. She has been studying law for six years she ought to know this isn’t part of their attire. Some of the benchers were Muslims but none wore any of such //t.co/LyAtjHeZap
— Proudly Edo (@Eweha_A) December 14, 2017
I think it’s a ridiculous rule to not be allowed to wear hijab for call to Bar. Makes no sense to me
I also think it’s ridiculous to go somewhere knowing their rules and regulations, break it, then say it’s unfair.
— Fatima Alfa Abu (@Faty_Alfa) December 15, 2017
Deeper life members don’t wear Trousers but they know they have to wear during their Nysc.. Do you see them bothering us with their faith? Why should Hijab be an exception. You know the constitution, you signed for it so what exactly is your problem?
— ?Mirror? (@Ink_her) December 14, 2017