The Nigerian Law School has dismissed reports alleging that female Muslim candidates wearing hijab were harassed, intimidated or excluded from the Bar Final Examinations held on October 31, 2026, describing the allegations as false.
In an official public statement dated November 4, 2026, the Council of Legal Education, through the Nigerian Law School, maintained that it has no policy or institutional practice that promotes religious discrimination, stressing its commitment to upholding the constitutional rights, religious freedoms and dignity of all candidates, irrespective of their faith.
The statement, signed by Aderonke O. Osho, Secretary to the Council and Director of Administration, explained that the Bar Final Examinations are conducted under established regulations aimed at ensuring proper identification, examination security and academic integrity.
Providing further context, the institution disclosed that during the Bar Part I Examinations on October 29, 2026, a female student wearing hijab was allegedly found with an earpod concealed beneath her hijab and a mobile phone strapped to her thigh.
According to the Council, the incident is currently under investigation in line with the institution’s examination rules and regulations. It added that the student’s apprehension for alleged examination misconduct further highlights the need for strict examination security measures, which it insisted are applied fairly and without discrimination.
The Nigerian Law School further reaffirmed its recognition of the constitutional protections guaranteed under Sections 38 and 42 of the 1999 Constitution, noting that it remains committed to respecting the religious rights of candidates while maintaining the integrity of its examinations.
The institution consequently urged members of the public and other stakeholders to exercise restraint, avoid premature conclusions and allow the appropriate institutional processes to establish the facts surrounding the controversy.
It reiterated its commitment to fairness, inclusiveness, professionalism and the uninterrupted discharge of its statutory responsibilities.
