Muslim Women Raise Alarm Over Hijab Discrimination in Osun
— Seek Government Intervention
Muslim women in Osun State have raised concerns over what they described as persistent discrimination against women who wear the hijab, particularly during official documentation, examinations and public service processes.
They made this known at a press conference in Osogbo to mark the 2026 World Hijab Day, alleging cases of harassment, exclusion and denial of access to public facilities because of their religious mode of dressing.
Speaking on behalf of the Association of Osun State Muslim Women, the Ameerah of the Osun State chapter of the Federation of Muslim Women’s Associations in Nigeria (FOMWAN), Dr Mrs Faoziyah Adenike Zubair, said Muslim women continue to face unfair treatment due to misconceptions about the hijab.
She explained that the association, which comprises representatives of Muslim women’s groups across the state, meets annually to commemorate World Hijab Day.
“World Hijab Day is set aside globally to sensitise people and to show that the hijab is a symbol of modesty and an honour bestowed on us by Almighty Allah,” she said, citing Qur’an 24:31.
Dr Zubair stressed that the hijab symbolises discipline, dignity and progress, not backwardness.
According to her, the theme of the 2026 celebration, ‘Unity in Hijab: Faith, Identity and Sisterhood’, emphasises collective identity and solidarity among Muslim women.
She added that while styles and cultures may differ, the essence of hijab remains modesty as an act of faith.
Dr Zubair urged Muslim women to wear the hijab consistently and correctly, noting that it is an act of obedience to Allah, not a means of pleasing society.
She also lamented challenges faced by Muslim women during biometric capturing for official purposes such as Hajj registration and immigration documentation.
“Sometimes we are asked to remove our hijab because it covers the ear, and people mock us. This has nothing to do with intelligence. Muslim women are capable and competent in all areas,” she said.
Also speaking, Alhaja Medinah Adeola Ogbeji described the hijab as a symbol of dignity and obedience to God, dismissing claims that it limits women’s participation in society.
Representing The Standard Bearers group, Mrs Adewale Monsurat Lawal appealed to the government to intervene, citing cases of Muslim women being denied access to examination halls and official centres because of their hijab.
“We have seen sisters sent out of examination halls and denied biometric capturing at immigration centres. We are appealing to the government because this is a fundamental right,” she said.
The association announced plans to mark World Hijab Day with school visits for hijab distribution, Jumat prayers and a grand event scheduled for February 1 at Fakunle High School, Osogbo.
