Hijab Controversy: Firdaus Amasa finally called to bar

Hijab wearing Law student, Firdaus Amasa, has finally been called to bar months after she made headlines for getting barred from the event by the management of the Nigerian Law school.

Firdaus Amasa, a graduate of University of Ilorin was called to Bar on Tuesday, July 10th (today) alongside other young lawyers in Abuja. She wore a small covering over her hair at the event.

Recall that the Body of Benchers, had previously debunked rumour that she would be allowed to use hijab for her call to bar ceremony. It was agreed that the Honourable Justice Zainab Bulkachuwa style was the only acceptable way for her to be called to bar.

The body of benchers further stated that they are yet to formally decide on any change to the mode of dress code for call to Bar, as this has generated much controversy in the legal community.

“The Body of Benchers is yet to consider the report of the committee chaired by Belgore JSC as the said report is not yet ready or ripe for consideration.

However in view of the imminent Call to Bar ceremonies in July 2018 and Miss Fidaus Amasa’s petition, a position was taken on the applicant’s current petition on the subject. It was decided that :

– the applicant was indeed rude and impolite to a former CJN Belgore JSC who had intervened at the Call ceremonies but rebuffed by the applicant, and therefore must tender a written apology.

– It was recognized that moslem Judges while sitting wear only head scarf to cover their hair and not partial face covering of any sort, as exhibited by the applicant’s attire. .
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If she will be called therefore, she cannot use more than the hair covering scarf, similar to what female Judges from lower courts to Supreme Court use.

So the reprieve is conditional on the above limitations, not a blanket approval as falsely being circulated,” the statement read.