The nurses, Sekinat Sanusi and Fasilat Olayinka Lawal, are contesting their dismissal, stating that they wore their hijabs based on a policy set forth by the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria’s policies, which states that nurses can wear either a nurse cap or shoulder length hijab. A circular was allegedly distributed to all nurses and hospital staff stating this.
However, another Muslim nurse at the hospital is disputing the nurses’ claims, stating that no such circular was distributed to that effect.
The matter is now in court.
Muslim nurses in other government and teaching hospitals in other states including Kwara, Osun, and Oyo are reportedly allowed to wear shoulder length hijabs.
