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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Meanwhile, Twitter user @Stef_23rd, says he was at the Call to Bar ceremony on Wednesday. He said himself, other guests and lawyers begged Firdaus to remove her Hijab so she can be called but she refused and instead resorted to insulting them.