Two female nurses of National Orthopaedic Hospital, Igbobi Lagos (NOHIL) have been sacked for wearing hijab while on duty.
Members of Muslim Students Society of Nigeria, Lagos State Area Unit, protest victimisation of secondary school students using Hijab by principals at Lagos House, Alausa, Ikeja, yesterday. Photo: Bunmi Azeez.
The nurses Mrs Fasilat Olayinka Lawal and Miss Sekinat Sanusi, relied on the prescription of their regulatory body, the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria which says nurses should either wear nurse cap or shoulder lenght hijab as contained in a circular dated February 11, 2002 (reference number N&MCN/CMF/721/1/3).The circular which was signed by P. N. Ndatsu, Secretary General/Registrar was said to have been sent to all Directors of Nursing and their deputies, chief Medical Directors, chief Executives, and Principals.
It was gathered that Muslims nurses in other government and teaching hospitals in other states wear shoulder lenght hijab. Some of them include Kwara, Osun, Oyo in the South West and most states in the north of the country.
The victims in anticipation of the hospital management weilding the big stick, approached the court to obtain injunction against further actions by the management of the NOHIL, But this did not deter the hospital management as the two nurses were sacked a few days ago.
Sacking of two nurses
Narrating how it happened, Mrs Lawal said she accepted the offer based on the circular of Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria prescribing a shoulder length hijab which she expected the hospital to comply with.
When the Medical Director, NOHIL, Dr. O.Odunibi was contacted on phone for comments, he declined saying “the matter is already in court and we have been told not to comment on the matter.”
A senior Muslim nurse in the hospital who crave anonimity revealed that they were not wearing hijab merely because no circular was given to them to that effect. She maintained that the development was an eye-opener to other Muslim nurses in the hospital.
The Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria is a parastatal of the Federal Government of Nigeria established by Act Cap. No143 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004, and the Council is the only regulatory body for all cadres of Nurses and Midwives in Nigeria.
How it happened
“I assumed duty on February 25, 2014, at the commencement of the one month orientation, I was told to remove my hijab but I insisted presenting a copy of a circular from Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria to the head of Nursing Department, Mrs Adebowale, hence I was allowed to do the orientation wearing hijab.”
“I completed the orientation on March 23, 2014 and resumed duty fully in uniform on Monday March 24, 2014 and I was told that I was not properly dressed as I was using hijab and not a nurse cap.
“On April 8, 2014′ I wrote a letter of protest to the Medical Director copying Minister for Health, Minister for State for Health and Board Chairman, National Orthopeadic Hospital Igbobi Lagos and Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria.”
“On April 9, 2014, I was given a query dated April 8, 2014 to explain why disciplinary action should not be instituted against me for insubordination by not wearing Nurse uniform which I replied with a letter dated April 9, 2014 and since April 10, 2014 I have not been allowed to work or even sign the attendance register, we were told to stay outside the Director of Administrator’s office by the Chairman of National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwife (NANNM).
“On April 11, 2014, we were given two letters, one from the Director of Administration summoning us to a disciplinary committee on Monday April 14, 2014 and another from the Assistant Director of Nursing calling our attention to some so called facts.
On the April 14, 2014, we were at the panel/ disciplinary committee and was told to have a rethink of removing our hijab within 24hrs and get back to the committee the following day at 10:00am to avoid a disciplinary action taken against us.”
“We immediately sort a legal advice since we were determined not to remove our hijab and decided to proceed to court to stop any diciplinary actions taken against us and also seek redress on the violation on our fundamental human rights and be allowed to work and wear our hijabs without hindrance as permitted by Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria, the only body permitted by law to regulate the Nursing Profession in Nigeria.
“We were further prevented from entering the ward and carrying out our official duty, we wrote another letter to the Medical Director in the afternoon of April 15, 2014 notifying him of the situation.”
“On April 17, 2014, a letter was written to the Medical Director by our Lawyer informing him of the implication of their actions of not allowing us to work and if the situation persists a contempt proceeding would be commenced against them. The situation continued that way without been allowed to work until April 23, 2014 when we were given a memo to appear before the Hospital Management Board by 10:00am.”
“We met with the board and was told that by not removing our hijab we have committed an act of insurbodination and disobedience which is punishable by the law of public service.
We were asked if we were ready to retrace our steps by removing our hijab and we responded that we can not remove our hijab and moreso the matter is in court and we cannot take any further step without informing our lawyer.
Later that day ( April 23, 2014) we were issued a letter of termination of service,” she narrated.
Muslim Lawyers react
The Muslim Lawyers Association of Nigeria, MULAN, has described the termination of employment of the two muslim nurses as ‘wrongful dismissal’.
The Chairman of the association, Barrister Musadiq Adunni Sanni said the nurses have right to complain and also have the right to institute legal action if their fundamental human rights were infringed upon.
“It is wrongful dismissal. What I think they should have done is to wait on the court before taking a decision.”
Sanni continued: “this is a labour matter and if the institution allows it, then the court will have to decide who is wrong.”
“I also think they don’t have respect for the rule of law and we are not happy that a Federal Institution like that would go that way.”
On similar case of hijab involving a student who was punished because she wore hijad while in school, Barrister Sanni stated that although there is a proposal for out of court settlement, but maintained that the condition was not in favourable to the Muslims.
He said: “Just last Tuesday, the state maintained that it only limited the use of hijab to the Mosque on Fridays during Jumat and also during Zhur and Asr prayers, but we are not happy with that; our interest is total use of hijab. We are still on it and we are going to argue our case insha-Allah,” he stressed.
MUPAC cries foul
The Muslim Public Affairs Centre (MPAC) also expressed deep concern over the escalation of the case, saying the two nurses are yet another victims of discrimination. In a statement, the group said the Muslim nurses could have been subjected to cruel and degrading treatments simply because of their choice to wear the hijab at work.
“By its latest action, NOHIL and the hospital management have continued to show aggression against the victims and unrestrained and unaccountable hostility towards the Islamic faith. The Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN) prescribes a standard uniform for all nurses in Nigeria and in its circular of February, 11,2002 (reference number N&MCN/CMF/721/1/3), it unambiguously specifies that “female nurses” may “wear either a Nurse cap or a shoulder length hyjab”.
“The sisters will continue to demand justice, and the resolve of the Muslim community to stand by them will only strengthened them against this latest act of aggression.”
“Tyranny of employers, public and private, highlights the need for our lawmakers to do the right things and make laws that will criminalise discrimination on the basis of religions.”
MPAC urged all Islamic organizations, mosques, Imams, human right groups and individuals who cherish and value the collective aspiration to lend their prayers and support to these Muslim nurses.
even in saudi arabia they wear half hijab.as a nurse if there is an emergency in the hospital how would you round round to save a life with the so called long hijab?pls Mrs Fasilat Olayinka Lawal and Miss Sekinat Sanusi, your lawyer will only deceive you.get that in your thick skull or continue to roam the street.You people only know how to cause confusion in the country and thats all.
ReplyDeleteMehn! I wonder if u ppl cn read. Well the white ppl said if u wanna hide smtin from a black man, put it in writing n u ppl r gud examples. Didn't u c "shoulder length hijab" in d writeup? It's ppl like u guys tht mke thse inciting comments n then blame Muslims for d confusion u started. Learn d facts b4 u comment abeg
DeleteMehn! Do u ppl read at all? Well, so white man said if unwinnable hide smtin from a black man, put it in a book n u guys r gud examples of tht saying. Didn't u c "shoulder length hijab" in d writeup? It's comments like thse tht stir confusion n u then blame it on Muslims. Learn abt issues b4 going public with foolish sayings
Deletepls The Muslim Lawyers Association of Nigeria, MULAN should go for trainning in SAUDI ARABIA because i wonder if you people really have jobs to do other than causing confussion and brain washing the minds of your people.even in saudi arabia they wear half hijab.as a nurse if there is an emergency in the hospital how would you round round to save a life with the so called long hijab?pls Mrs Fasilat Olayinka Lawal and Miss Sekinat Sanusi, stop deceiving yourselves and quickly get that in your thick skull that nursing is a profession and not a religion.top creating panic and looking for cheap popularity from people and stop the confusion in the country and thats all.
ReplyDeleteshuuuuuu.na wah for this country women.u want to cover long and scare the patients with you so called long dresses.pls step you and go for research to know what nurses wear in the middle easy.i wonder why you 2 did not study arabic studies oooo.it is well with nigeria.
ReplyDeleteCnt u read it's shoulder length hijab? Y do u wanna cause confusion wth all thse? U c a nun n shes gud bt u c a covered Muslim sister n she's bad ryt?
DeleteYou two are yet to taste unemployment. One day you shall regret what you have just done. Will hijab provide food for you or take you to haven? psssshhhhhhhh.
ReplyDeleteGuy, u ain't God. It's God who determines who gets a job n who does nt. D regulatory body accepts shoulder length hijab so y sack them? U guys need to think objectively n put religious sentiments aside
DeleteIt is well o! I am just wondering, I don't know if the female muslim lawyers wear hijab to court, or female police and army wear hijab on dia uniforms? Why not choose a proffession that will allow u wear what u like? We are still battling with boko Haram, as if that is not enough! B4 u know it, muslims will start fighting because of this now. I know GOD will save nigeria!!!
ReplyDeleteLet's put sentiment apart, these nurses are wearing shoulder length hijab . This type of hijab is allowed by the body regulating nursing in Nigeria.
ReplyDeleteNigeria! always read the content of a story before passing judgement.
There should be freedom of association, religion and dressing once it does not go against our constitution. Please, let us be tollerant and understanding. We cannot all be Muslims nor Christian. God created all of us and we'll all leave together weather we like or not.
I wonder what spirituality hijab confer on muslim ladies and what do they lose spiritually if they dont wear it! All that is important is a clean heart before the Almighty and noble deeds that elevate our fellow human being but religion is now becoming a curse on humanity,it is so sad.
ReplyDeleteThe two nurses shld av aply in an arabic college instead of a hospital,hw possible will u put long hijab and expect to be smart in the discharge of ur duties.whats wrong to put on short-shoulder hijab.stop using ur fanatical prospect to tanish islam.
ReplyDeleteI'm sure this abdulaziz is a useless man. Did you read the news report at all? The nurses were sacked due to use of short hijab. The hospital authority wanted the total removal of their hijab which is against their fundamental human right to religion and against their faith.
DeleteI wonder what spirituality is conferred on muslims wearing hijab or what they lose spiritually by not wearing it. It is so sad that religion is now a curse on humanity.
ReplyDeleteI am the only one that understood this report? the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria which says nurses should either wear nurse cap or shoulder lenght hijab as contained in a circular dated February 11, 2002 (reference number N&MCN/CMF/721/1/3). The two nurses were told to remove their shoulder Length hijab in totality. Their fundamental human right infringed upon. Are they suppose to keep quite? If you need to comment, please always be objective. The news report never said long hijab, why would you people be mis interpreting simple report.
ReplyDeleteThese comments are most unfortunate. Sentiments aside, this is the height of religious intolerance. The use of the Hijab is provided for by their professional bodies. Why deny them its use?
ReplyDeletedont mind them,they want to be using hijab so dat dey can easily plants bombs in places n most of them that used hijab are very adultros.God pass them
ReplyDeleteShame on you!!!How can grown up adult talk like this?
DeleteYou are very stupid for terminating their job,
ReplyDeleteU can say wat u wish 2 say all u Islamaphobics,on dat day all wll be held accountable 4 each pronouncement. 4 God sake hw wll hijab hinder one from attendng 2 emergency?
ReplyDeleteI assume the four comments above by "Anonymous" were posted by one and same person. The posts shows either the poster has trouble with English comprehension or he is a deeply disturbed bigot, or worse still he has the two issues. Either way, the poster should seek psychological help. The article clearly stated what was allowed (shoulder-length hijab) and there is no where in the article where it stated that the nurses went contrary to this. However, such bigots as those who run the NOH would prefer to go against the law rather than see reason (as if it is the cap or hijab that would render good services in the hospital). This goes to show the reason why we as a country are still behind our peers in the world.
ReplyDeleteIt a pity u people can not read and undersatand simple enlish,according to the story,they were not allow to wear hijab @ll. And if hijab will provide them job or not is not really the issue but if the law permit them to wear shoulder size hijab,then they should be allow to use it cos little things like this lead to big trouble this days.we should just learn to do things according to the law and not as we wish.please Nigeria let live together in peace.
ReplyDeleteNa wa o! Christians victimising Muslims.
ReplyDeleteSubhanAllah. They can take away your jobs which by the way is only by the will of God Almighty but they can't take away your imaan. Make shukur for what God has given you and for what He hasn't given you and for what He has taken away from you. That's gratitude. Hijab or no hijab, it's God who gives to whom He wills but my dear sisters, never take off you hijab for this dunya is temporary and nothing but a test. Dont prefer the life of this dunya over the life of the Hereafter. May the Almighty God give you the strength and patience to move on.
ReplyDeleteYou guys are fools
ReplyDeleteThey were sacked because they used short hijab. Not long
What is the intervention of nursing regulatory body that issued a controversial circular
ReplyDeleteThis is only the tip of the iceberg of Islamophobia in Nigeria. Hatred of Islam and Muslims in Nigeria is alive. What their employers did was not ask the hapless women to renounce their faith. This in a country with freedom of belief enshrined in its constitution!
ReplyDeleteThe director is a Christian. If their regulatory body allows short hijab why are they being denied
ReplyDeleteThe life of this world is temporary. Removing hijab for a Muslim lady like being asked to strip naked in public. If catholic nuns would be allowed to wear their hat without anyone questioning them, why don't you just let our Muslim ladies be.
Lawmakers and courts, judiciary should open their eye and stop pretending, better discharge ur duties accordinly if not u'll end up perpetrating evil as well promoting injustice in the country. If d mngmnt of d so called hospital is allowed to violate d law of land and goes free, it is better such hospital shld b addressed as CAN hospital to avoid cofusion. Those of u acusing my sisters are having problem of comprehension or suffering from religeous sentiment. May ALLAH purify their mind and guide them to the right path.
ReplyDeleteMumu.
ReplyDeleteÆ” dis discrimination everytime? If a christian dos somefin wrong, he is excused, pple will say he is only a human & not perfect. Nobody will blame it on christianity, but if a muslim man fights FO̶̷̩̥̊͡Я his fundamental human right(s) he will be called all sorts ☀̤̣̈̇f diff. names like Boko-Haram, terrorist, fanatic etc. Hmmm! May Ǻllƌђ(Swt) assist Islam,muslims & make us overcome D̶̲̥̅̊ oppressors & enemies (Aamiin).
ReplyDelete