Hijab Controversy: Law School Finally Calls Amosa Firdaus To Bar

A law graduate who sparked controversy after challenging the restriction on the use of hijab during call-to-bar ceremonies, Amosa Firdaus, has finally been called to bar.

Firdaus was called to bar on Tuesday, July 10, after several months of controversy.

She was on December 13, 2017, denied entry into the hall for the call to bar ceremony which took place at the International Conference Centre, Abuja, over refusal to remove her hijab.

This action drew criticisms from different quarters across the country. Early this year the Body of benchers approved the wearing of the Hijab at the call to bar ceremony.

She however described the action as “a violation of her rights”, adding the hijab does not violate the dress code set by the law school.

Islamic bodies, including the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) and the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) rallied around her, calling for a review of the dress code.

In its ruling in June 2018, the body of benchers responsible for calling law graduates to bar approved the use of hijab as proper dress code.

The call to bar this year saw the admission of 1,562 candidates among whom was Firdaus.

The Director-General (DG) of the Law school, Professor Isa Ciroma, said the performance of the graduands was justified.

The director-general said that the members of staff of the school had closely monitored the aspiring lawyer during their training and their records, perused by the screening committee and found them worthy to be called to the Bar.

Also speaking, the Chairman of the Body of Benchers, Alhaji Bashir Dalhatu, admonished the graduands to abide by the rules and provisions of the profession, adding that it law sacrosanct and required strict adherence at all times.