The Muslim Students’ Society of Nigeria (MSSN), Kwara Area Unit, has condemned what it described as a “gross violation” of the rights of a Muslim female student who was allegedly denied entry into the Federal Staff Secondary School, Adewole, Ilorin, for wearing the hijab.
In a statement signed by the Amir of the society, Adnan Muhammad Nasir, the group described the incident as “an affront to the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and a blatant defiance of the Supreme Court judgment” that upholds the right of Muslim female students to wear the hijab in public schools.
The statement referenced the Supreme Court ruling in Asiyat AbdulKareem & Ors v. Lagos State Government (SC.910/2016), which affirmed the constitutional and legal protection of hijab usage in public educational institutions.
MSSN said the act by the school authorities amounted to “a gross abuse of authority, a display of religious intolerance, and a direct insult to millions of Muslims across the country.”
“It is inconceivable that in 2025, despite clear legal precedents, Muslim students are still being humiliated, harassed, and discriminated against for choosing to obey their Creator,” the statement read.
The society described the incident as “morally reprehensible, legally indefensible, and institutionally shameful,” calling for an immediate investigation and disciplinary action against those responsible.
“The hijab is not a symbol of rebellion; it is a divine injunction recognized by law,” MSSN stated, adding that no institution has the authority to infringe on citizens’ rights to religious expression.
The group also urged both state and federal education authorities to intervene swiftly and ensure that Muslim students across all schools learn in an environment free from intimidation or discrimination.
Reaffirming its commitment to upholding the rights and dignity of Muslim students, MSSN vowed to pursue the matter “through every lawful means available” until justice is served.
