The Muslim Public Affairs Centre, MPAC, Nigeria, has expressed concern over the reported denial of clearance to a Muslim female corps member in the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, by an NYSC Local Inspector allegedly because she wore a knee length hijab.
In a statement issued on Thursday, MPAC described the incident as “unlawful and unacceptable,” stressing that it constituted a clear violation of the Nigerian constitution, which guarantees freedom of religion and expression.
According to MPAC, the corps member was initially denied clearance at her NYSC local office, but the situation was swiftly addressed following the intervention of the Muslim Corpers’ Association of Nigeria, MCAN, which engaged relevant NYSC authorities.
“We commend the responsible and timely action of MCAN in restoring the rights of the affected corps member.
“Their proactive steps underscore the importance of institutional vigilance in defending the religious liberties of Muslim citizens,” MPAC Executive Chairman, Disu Kamor, said.
While noting that the matter had been resolved, Kamor insisted that such cases were not isolated.
He said Muslim female corps members across the country continued to face “subtle and overt discrimination” for choosing to wear the hijab, an act he described as “an essential and non-negotiable aspect of their religious identity.”
He called on the Director-General of the NYSC to issue a clear directive to all state coordinators, local government inspectors, and zonal officers, reminding them of the constitutional rights of corps members, particularly the freedom to wear religious attire such as the hijab.
“The NYSC, as a federal agency, must model religious tolerance and uphold constitutional provisions,” Kamor said, adding that: “No official has the authority to impose unofficial dress codes or act on personal bias.”
He emphasized that the hijab should not be misconstrued as a symbol of rebellion but rather as a legitimate expression of faith.
“Denying Muslim females their right to wear it is an affront to Nigeria’s democracy and the founding values of the NYSC unity in diversity, service with dignity, and respect for all,” he added.
MPAC pledged to continue monitoring such incidents and said it would not hesitate to seek legal or institutional redress where the rights of Muslim citizens are violated.
