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Hijab: Muslim women seek policymakers’ intervention over discrimination

Published

1 year ago

January 31, 2025

Students in Hijab

Hijab: Muslim women seek policymakers’ intervention over discrimination

Despite Supreme Court judgment and awareness of the significance of wearing hijab, Nigerian Muslim women, on Wednesday lamented public discrimination against women in hijab.

At a briefing to commemorate this year’s World Hijab Day (WHD) in Alausa, a coalition of Muslim Women in Nigeria, under the aegis of the Hijab Right Advocacy Initiative, has called on policymakers, law enforcement agencies, educators and service providers to urgently adopt policies and provide training to officers on respecting religious expressions, including the right of Muslim women to adorn their hijabs in public places.

The group comprises Hijab Rights Advocacy Initiative (HRAI), Al-Mu’minaat (The (Believing Women Organisation), Nasru- llahi- L- Fathi Society (NASFAT), Muslim Students’ Society of Nigeria (MSSN) Lagos State Area Unit, Federation of Muslim Women Associations in Nigeria (FOMWAN) Lagos chapter, The Criterion, Lagos District, International Muslim Women Union (IMWU), Islamic Medical Association of Nigeria (IMAN), Lagos Secretariat Community Central Mosque, Muslim Public Affairs Center (MPAC) and Akhwaat Muslimat Organisation.

Others are: Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC), Guild of Muslim Professionals for Peace and Development (GMP), Muslim Media Practitioners of Nigeria (MMPN), Pure Heart Islamic Foundation, An Nujabau Female Forum, Muslim Lawyers Association on Nigeria (MULAN) and Izharul Haq Movement of Nigeria.

The World Hijab Day is a yearly event marked every February 1 in over 140 to raise awareness against discrimination on hijab-wearing women.

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Executive Director of HRAI, Hajia Mutiat Orolu-Balogun, said: “Since its inception, World Hijab Day has been a movement that champions freedom of thought, conscience and religion, and the rights of Muslim women to practice their faith without discrimination.”

She noted that this year’s theme, ‘Hijabis Unsilenced’ amplifies the voices of Muslim women who have long been marginalised, mistreated and faced discrimination because of their religious dress.

She said: “In Nigeria, where religious pluralism should be celebrated, Muslim women continue to face structural, legal, and social challenges that undermine their rights and dignity.

“We find it pertinent to reiterate that the issue of dressing, while it may be a means of cultural identity for some, for Muslims is legislation from God. It is not Arabian culture, neither it is a fashion accessory one may discard at will. It has also been protected by our laws. Wearing the Hijab by the Muslim female is the practical application of this constitutional provision. The supreme court in the case of Miss Asiyat Abdulkareem VS Lagos State has upheld the use of the hijab as being protected by the provisions of Section 38(1) of the 1999 constitution (as amended), hence, a fundamental right.”

NASFAT National Women Affairs Secretary, Alhaja Ganiyat Babalola, called on the Director General of the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), Ms Abisoye Coker- Odusote, to incorporate the provision of the regulation concerning the use of Hijab in the retraining of the commission’s officials.

According to her, “Muslim women should not be asked to compromise their religious beliefs or have their fundamental human rights infringed upon during their biometric process.”

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She recommended that government agencies adopt protocols allowing private biometric capture by female officials to protect the dignity and religious rights of Muslim women.

Amirah (female president) of MSSN Lagos State Area Unit, Hajia Rofiah Tijani, lamented the incessant harassment of female Muslim pupils in hijab.

She said: “Even when the hijab is allowed, some teachers and school principals compel students to tuck their hijabs into their uniforms, effectively diluting the full exercise of their constitutional rights. Our pupils in the primary schools are also being harassed, particularly those from disadvantaged and less educated backgrounds where their parents feel helpless in asserting their rights.”

She commended the Lagos State Commissioner of Basic and Secondary Education, Mr Jamiu Tolani Alli-Balogun, and the Tutor-Generals as well as the Lagos State House of Assembly for acting swiftly to correct these infractions as soon as they are reported. “While the Lagos state government under the Leadership of Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo- Olu has made significant strides in protecting the rights of Muslim Women and girls, the same cannot be said for Ogun and Oyo states,” she said.

Amirah of Akwaat Muslimah, Hajia Monsura Bankole, urged the Ministry of Education to ensure compliance with the Supreme Court judgment on hijab by continuously sensitizing school authorities and taking disciplinary action against those who persist in violating students’ rights.

She urged parents, caregivers and guardians to continue to educate their wards on the etiquettes of Hijab and not to participate in trends that go contrary to the spirit and intent of the hijab.

Welfare Officer of The Criterion, Lagos District, Hajia Risqiat Adam-Adedimeji, condemned the violation faced by Muslim women in Nigeria, the forceful removal of hijabs by law enforcement officers during arrests, whether in civil or criminal matters.

Hijab: Muslim women seek policymakers’ intervention over discrimination

Related Topics:discrimination hijab Muslim women policymakers

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Russian airstrike kills Nigerian medical student days before graduation in Ukraine

Published

9 hours ago

July 6, 2026

Trends Admin

Russian airstrike kills Nigerian medical student days before graduation in Ukraine

A promising young Nigerian’s dream of becoming a medical doctor has been tragically cut short after Nnani Adaobi Marian, a 23-year-old final-year student of Kharkiv National Medical University (KNMU), died from injuries sustained in a Russian airstrike in Kharkiv, Ukraine, just days before her graduation.

Marian died on Sunday, July 5, 2026, at a specialist hospital in Germany, where she had been receiving intensive medical treatment after suffering catastrophic injuries during a Russian aerial bombardment on June 29.

The Nigerian student had travelled to Kharkiv with her close friend, Fatima Huseynova, for their graduation ceremony after both had continued their studies remotely from Azerbaijan following Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

The two friends were reportedly on their way to a graduation photoshoot on June 29 when Russian forces launched a guided aerial bomb attack on Kharkiv’s Kholodnohirskyi district.

Huseynova was killed instantly in the explosion, while Marian sustained life-threatening injuries and was rushed to a hospital in Kharkiv before being transferred to Germany for advanced treatment.

Despite the efforts of medical teams in both Ukraine and Germany, Marian succumbed to her injuries nearly a week later.

The graduation ceremony was scheduled for June 30, making the tragedy all the more heartbreaking for her family, classmates and lecturers.

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In a statement confirming her death, Kharkiv National Medical University described Marian as one of its brightest and most dedicated students.

“As a result of enemy shelling, Nnani Adaobi Marian was seriously injured. Doctors fought for her life until the last moment, first in Kharkiv and later in Germany. Everyone sympathised, helped and hoped for her recovery, but unfortunately, despite the doctors’ efforts, they could not save her,” the university said.

The institution said Marian enrolled in the university in 2020 and distinguished herself through academic excellence, compassion and commitment to the medical profession.

According to the university, she participated in international medical training programmes at the University of Cambridge in 2024 and Biruni University in Türkiye in 2025, where she further developed her clinical skills and contributed to scientific research.

The university described her as “bright, sincere and kind-hearted,” noting that she was admired for her humility, strong work ethic and unwavering passion for helping others.

Family members disclosed that Marian suffered devastating injuries during the attack, including severe burns, multiple shrapnel wounds, significant eye injuries and the amputation of one leg.

She was reportedly treated for burns covering about 90 per cent of her body before doctors transferred her to Germany in a last effort to save her life.

According to Ukrainian authorities, the June 29 bombardment formed part of a wider wave of Russian attacks targeting the Kharkiv, Dnipropetrovsk and Zaporizhzhia regions.

The attacks reportedly killed at least 14 civilians and injured 98 others, highlighting the continuing humanitarian consequences of the more than four-year Russia-Ukraine war.

Marian’s death has triggered an outpouring of grief across Nigeria and within the international academic community, with tributes describing her as an exceptionally gifted student whose lifelong ambition of becoming a doctor was cruelly interrupted just days before graduation.

The tragedy has also renewed concerns about the safety and welfare of international students studying in conflict zones, as fighting between Russia and Ukraine continues despite ongoing diplomatic efforts to secure a lasting ceasefire.

For many Nigerians following the war, Marian’s death has become a poignant reminder of the devastating human cost of armed conflict and the countless lives and aspirations that continue to be lost far from home.

Russian airstrike kills Nigerian medical student days before graduation in Ukraine

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ICYMI: How to Apply for 2026 FRSC Recruitment Successfully

Published

10 hours ago

July 6, 2026

Trends Admin

ICYMI: How to Apply for 2026 FRSC Recruitment Successfully

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has officially commenced its 2026 recruitment exercise, opening applications for qualified Nigerians seeking employment in the Corps across the Officer, Marshal Inspectorate (MI) and Road Marshal Assistant (RMA) cadres.

The recruitment portal opened on Friday, July 3, 2026, and applications will remain open for four weeks through the official FRSC recruitment portal.

The Corps has emphasised that the recruitment exercise is completely free, warning applicants against paying money to individuals or organisations claiming to offer employment or recruitment assistance.

Prospective applicants are advised to carefully read the eligibility criteria and prepare all required documents before beginning the online registration process.

Who is eligible for the 2026 FRSC recruitment?

To qualify for the 2026 FRSC recruitment, applicants must satisfy the Corps’ general entry requirements.

Applicants must:

Be Nigerian citizens by birth.
Be medically, physically and psychologically fit.
Be of good character and free from any criminal conviction.
Not belong to any secret cult or fraternity.
Possess a valid National Identification Number (NIN).
Meet the minimum height requirement of 1.65 metres for males and 1.58 metres for females.
Possess the minimum academic qualification required for the cadre they intend to apply for.

Applicants who fail to meet these requirements may be disqualified during screening.

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Cadres available in the 2026 FRSC recruitment

The Corps has opened recruitment into three major categories.

Officer Cadre

This category is designed for graduates and professionals with qualifications such as B.Sc., BA, HND, MBBS, LLB, B.Pharm, B.Eng. and other recognised degrees.

Applicants must possess a valid NYSC discharge or exemption certificate and be between 18 and 35 years of age.

Marshal Inspectorate (MI) Cadre

Candidates with ND, NCE, Registered Nurse (RN), Registered Midwife (RM), Community Health Extension Worker (CHEW) and other recognised health-related qualifications are eligible.

Applicants must be 18 to 30 years old.

Road Marshal Assistant (RMA) Cadre

The Road Marshal Assistant category is open to applicants with WAEC, NECO or NABTEB qualifications.

Candidates are expected to possess between three and five O’Level credits, depending on the position, including English Language and Mathematics where required.

Drivers, riders and artisans—including mechanics, electricians, welders, plumbers, tailors and other skilled workers—may also apply provided they possess the relevant trade certificates and valid driver’s licence where applicable.

Heavy-duty truck drivers may be considered up to 40 years of age.

Documents required for FRSC recruitment

Before beginning the application, applicants should have the following documents ready:

National Identification Number (NIN)
Birth Certificate or Declaration of Age
Local Government Certificate of Origin
Primary and secondary school certificates
Tertiary institution certificates (where applicable)
NYSC discharge or exemption certificate
Professional licences (where applicable)
Trade Test Certificate (for artisans)
Valid driver’s licence (for drivers)
Recent passport photograph
Valid email address
Active mobile phone number

Step-by-step guide to apply for 2026 FRSC recruitment

Step 1: Visit the official recruitment portal

Go to the official FRSC recruitment portal at:

https://recruitment.frsc.gov.ng

Applicants are advised to avoid unofficial websites and recruitment agents.

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Step 2: Create an account

Email address
Phone number
National Identification Number (NIN)

Create a secure password for your account.

Step 3: Verify your email

After registration, check your email inbox and click the activation link sent by the FRSC to verify your account.

Step 4: Complete the online application form

Log into the portal and provide accurate information, including:

Personal details
Educational qualifications
Employment history (where applicable)
Contact information
Next-of-kin details
Referee information

Applicants are advised to ensure all details correspond with their official documents.

Step 5: Upload required documents

Upload scanned copies of all requested credentials and a recent passport photograph.

Ensure the documents are clear, readable and meet the portal’s upload specifications.

Step 6: Review and submit your application

Carefully review every section of the application before submission.

Once satisfied, click the Submit button.

Step 7: Print your acknowledgement slip

Immediately print your completed application form and acknowledgement slip after submission.

The documents will be required during the Computer-Based Test (CBT), physical screening and credential verification for shortlisted candidates.

FRSC warns against recruitment fraud

The Federal Road Safety Corps has reiterated that the recruitment exercise is entirely free of charge.

Applicants have been advised not to pay money to anyone claiming to facilitate employment into the Corps.

The FRSC also urged candidates to use only their personal email addresses and telephone numbers throughout the recruitment process, as all official notifications—including CBT invitations, screening schedules and shortlisting updates—will be communicated through the contact details provided during registration.

Prospective applicants are encouraged to complete their applications before the portal closes and regularly monitor the official recruitment portal for updates.

ICYMI: How to Apply for 2026 FRSC Recruitment Successfully

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Falana Slams Police Over Arrest of Alleged PFIPC Boss’ Father, Calls Action Illegal

Published

10 hours ago

July 6, 2026

Trends Admin

Falana Slams Police Over Arrest of Alleged PFIPC Boss’ Father, Calls Action Illegal

The controversy surrounding the alleged fake Presidential Fiscal and Infrastructure Projects Council (PFIPC) has taken a new turn after operatives of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) reportedly arrested the father of Prince Adeyemi Adeniyi, the man facing criminal charges over his alleged role as the council’s Director-General.

Human rights lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Femi Falana, described the arrest as unlawful, insisting that Nigerian law does not permit the arrest of relatives in place of criminal suspects.

Falana disclosed on Monday that police officers stormed the Adeniyi family residence at Plot 3, Adeniyi Dynasty, behind Technical College, Road Safety Area, Ogbomoso, Oyo State, where they arrested Adeniyi’s father during a raid.

According to him, a family friend who had visited the residence on Monday morning was also taken into custody.

Speaking in a telephone interview, Falana questioned the legal basis for the operation, maintaining that the suspect had already undertaken to appear before the court.

“Police have now stormed the house of the parents of Prince Adeyemi Adeniyi, Plot 3, Adeniyi Dynasty, behind Technical College, Road Safety Area, Ogbomoso.

“The father has been arrested. There is no legal basis for substituted arrests. The young man has promised to show up in court, so why arrest his father?” Falana said.

Eyewitnesses in the area reportedly said the officers arrived in multiple vehicles before taking the elderly man away. Residents also claimed the operation caused panic within the neighbourhood, while Adeniyi’s elderly mother was left distressed by the incident.

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As of the time of filing this report, the Nigeria Police Force had not issued any official statement explaining the arrests.

The latest development adds another layer to the controversy surrounding the Presidential Fiscal and Infrastructure Projects Council (PFIPC), an organisation the Presidency has maintained is not a legally recognised government agency.

Prince Adeniyi is currently facing criminal charges, including forgery, impersonation, obtaining by false pretence, and other related offences.

Federal authorities allege that he falsely presented himself as the Director-General of the council using forged appointment letters and official documents to project the PFIPC as a legitimate federal institution.

However, Adeniyi has denied the allegations, insisting that his appointment was genuine and that he will defend himself before the court.

Falana has consistently argued that allegations against Adeniyi should be determined strictly through the judicial process. The senior lawyer recently maintained that the Presidency lacks constitutional powers to declare anyone guilty or innocent of criminal allegations, stressing that such decisions remain the exclusive responsibility of the courts.

He also warned against actions capable of intimidating parties connected to the case while proceedings remain before the court.

Beyond the criminal trial, the controversy has triggered broader questions about how the alleged council reportedly operated for months.

Falana has called for an independent investigation into claims that the organisation maintained offices within the Federal Secretariat, allegedly operated bank accounts, interacted with public institutions and even appeared in the 2026 Federal Budget, despite government officials insisting that the council never legally existed.

The senior lawyer has also urged authorities to identify any public officials who may have facilitated the activities of the alleged organisation.

On its part, the Presidency has distanced itself from the PFIPC, describing the organisation as fictitious while directing security agencies, including the Department of State Services (DSS), the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the police, to investigate everyone connected with the alleged scheme.

The criminal case against Adeniyi remains before the court, with no judicial determination yet made on the allegations.

The reported arrest of his father has, however, introduced a fresh legal and human rights dimension to a case that continues to generate national attention.