The Lagos State chapter of the Muslim Students’ Society of Nigeria (MSSN) has announced its full support for Miss Lawal Hameedat Adenike, a teenage Muslim girl who has taken JAMB and PEFTI CBT Centre in Ibadan to court for allegedly forcing her to remove her hijab before being allowed to sit for her UTME on April 25, 2025.
Speaking on the matter, Kamoldeen Abiona, Amir (President) of MSSN Lagos, said the reported act was a clear violation of the girl’s constitutional right to freedom of religion, as enshrined in Sections 38 and 42 of the Nigerian Constitution.
“Forcing a Muslim girl to remove her hijab to sit for an examination is unconstitutional, discriminatory, and traumatic. It is an act of religious profiling that has no place in a multi religious and democratic society like Nigeria,” the statement added.
Hameedat’s case, which has attracted national attention, is being pursued in court by her mother and legal representatives.
MSSN Lagos called on JAMB to launch an investigation into the incident and issue fresh directives to all Computer-Based Test (CBT) centres across the country, guaranteeing the right of Muslim female candidates to wear the hijab during examinations.
“No student should be forced to choose between her education and her faith. Being modestly dressed and being educated are not mutually exclusive,” the group emphasised.
The group urged JAMB to restore public confidence in the UTME process by strengthening its internal checks, taking disciplinary action where necessary, and protecting the rights and dignity of all candidates, regardless of religion or background.
While reiterating its support for Prof. Oloyede’s administration, MSSN Lagos emphasised that accountability, fairness, and respect for religious freedom must be the guiding principles of public service in a diverse nation like Nigeria.
