The President of the Islamic Medical Association of Nigeria (IMAN), Professor Ibrahim Oreagba, has reaffirmed the constitutional and regulatory rights of Muslim nursing students across Nigerian universities to wear the hijab, stating clearly that no institution has the legal or moral authority to deny this religious expression. His remarks came in the wake of persistent complaints regarding discrimination against hijab-wearing students, particularly at institutions such as the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, and others nationwide.
Speaking after the National Executive Committee meeting of IMAN held on Thursday, Prof. Oreagba highlighted that the right to wear the hijab is not only protected under Nigeria’s Constitution but is also officially endorsed by the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria. He condemned what he described as a worrying pattern of oppression targeted at Muslim female students, including attempts by some institutions to force them into uniforms—such as mini-skirts—that conflict with their religious beliefs and modesty requirements.
He recalled that around December 2024, the association received a wave of distressing reports from Muslim students and their families concerning hijab-related harassment in various nursing schools. According to him, some colleges had not only banned hijab but had gone as far as insisting on uniforms that contradicted Islamic modesty standards, thereby excluding students from full participation in their chosen profession.
In response to these injustices, Professor Oreagba noted that several Islamic organizations, including IMAN’s national and state chapters, rallied to confront the issue, demanding an end to what they viewed as blatant religious discrimination in academic and clinical environments. He stressed that the situation remains unresolved in many places, with Muslim female students still being subjected to intimidation, undue scrutiny, and systemic exclusion for adhering to their faith.
“The persecution of our sisters must stop,” Prof. Oreagba declared. “No nursing student or professional should be forced to compromise her religious obligations in order to learn or practice. The hijab, when worn properly to shoulder length and within professional guidelines, is neither a threat nor a hindrance to medical service delivery. It is a right—both under our Constitution and according to the Nursing Council’s regulations.”
Citing the 2022 circular issued by the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria, the IMAN president reminded all training institutions and healthcare establishments of their duty to comply with the official directive. The memo, released during heightened tensions over hijab use, explicitly permits the wearing of the hijab as part of nursing attire—provided it meets the Council’s professional standards. He warned that any continued defiance of this directive amounts to both professional misconduct and constitutional violation.
Prof. Oreagba further encouraged Muslim students to remain resolute and not allow themselves to be bullied or discouraged from pursuing careers in nursing or other medical fields. “The hijab is not a symbol of fashion; it is a divine command,” he said. “We urge our Muslim sisters to fear Allah above all else and stand firm in their identity and calling. The healthcare sector needs committed and competent Muslim professionals, and no student should feel she must abandon her values to serve her nation.”
As Nigeria continues to grapple with issues of religious tolerance and institutional inclusivity, IMAN’s stance reinforces the broader call for respect, equity, and adherence to both national law and professional ethics across all sectors, particularly in education and healthcare.
