The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) and 14 other Muslim groups say women in hijab are being denied access at NIN registration units, UTME, banks and other data capturing centers, despite their constitutional right.
They said this at a joint press conference on Monday to commemorate the world hijab day every February 1.
The group urged the governments at all levels, the legislature and judiciary to ensure that Hijab wearing Muslim Women are not harassed and discriminated against.
The convener of Hijab Rights Advocacy Group, Mutiat Orolu who spoke on behalf of the coalition said the Court of Appeal had upheld the use of the hijab as being in consonance with the provisions of Section 38(1) of the 1999 constitution (as amended), hence, a fundamental right.
“To deny any Muslim Woman or girl who so desires to wear the Hijab from doing so, is discriminatory,” she said.
Orolu said some school teachers still harass students in primary and secondary schools despite the circular by the Lagos state government which allows the use of Hijab by female students.
