Law School Bars Abayas, Bubu Outfits; Allows Shoulder-Length Hijab for Bar Exams

The Nigerian Law School has drawn a firm line on acceptable attire for female candidates sitting the 2026 Bar Final Examinations, permitting only shoulder-length hijabs while explicitly ruling out abayas and bubu-style clothing.

The clarification followed complaints over the screening of Muslim female candidates during the first phase of the examinations, which began on 31 October. The Muslim Students’ Society of Nigeria (MSSN), Nigerian Law School, Bwari Campus, announced that a stakeholders’ meeting convened by the Director-General resolved the dispute after candidates raised concerns about how dress-code and screening rules were applied.

Under the management’s clarified position, shoulder-length hijabs are allowed. Abayas and bubu-style outfits remain prohibited. Skirts may reach the ankle, and flowing gowns are permitted provided they do not extend beyond the ankle. Socks are also allowed, subject to the prescribed screening procedures.

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Female candidates will be screened exclusively by designated female personnel, while male candidates will be screened by male staff. Dedicated officials will conduct the checks, which include examination of the ears and neck.

The institution had earlier rejected claims of religious discrimination. In a statement signed by the Secretary to the Council and Director of Administration, Aderonke Osho, the Law School described reports that hijab-wearing candidates were harassed or barred from examination halls as false. It insisted it has no policy of religious discrimination and upholds the constitutional rights of all candidates under Sections 38 and 42 of the 1999 Constitution.

The school disclosed that on 29 October, during the Bar Part I examinations, a female student wearing a hijab was found with an earpiece concealed and a mobile phone strapped to her thigh. That incident remains under investigation in line with examination rules.

The Law School’s own Code of Conduct for Students (Part B, Rule 5) already lists black skull caps, black shoulder-length hijabs and black shoulder-length veils among the approved items of attire for female students at lectures and dinners. Advocacy groups, including the Hijab Rights Advocacy Initiative, had earlier advised candidates that shoulder-length hijabs consistent with the dinner dress standard were acceptable.

The controversy had drawn sharp reactions. The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) and the Muslim Public Affairs Centre (MPAC) condemned alleged restrictions and called for investigations, citing reports that some candidates were asked to remove or rewrap their hijabs or adjust long dresses before entering certain halls. The Law School maintained that its security measures apply uniformly to protect the integrity of the examinations.

With the clarifications now in place, the examinations are expected to proceed under the updated guidance on religious attire and screening protocols.