Amidst the corridors of the Adamawa State College of Nursing and Midwifery in Yola, a storm of controversy has erupted, centering on the dress code applicable to specific female Muslim students.

The catalyst for this discourse was Idris Hamza, a spokesperson for parents with Muslim wards at the institution. His action initiated a dialogue by disseminating a letter to several Muslim organizations, outlining the imposition of “restrictions against the use of khimar by female Muslim students.”

The focal point of this discord hinges on the khimar, a distinctive head covering worn by Muslim women.

Ahmed Idris, in his communication, reached out to groups such as MSSN, IMAN, JIBWIS, the Muslim Council, and MURIC. He informed them that the college authorities had positioned security personnel at the entrance to prohibit Muslim students from donning the khimar.

Idris conveyed his mounting frustration, speaking as both a parent and a devout Muslim. He raised concerns about the perceived disrespect towards students and decried what he labeled an “anti-Islamic regime” prevalent within the college, fostering an unfavorable environment.

He further asserted that instead of nurturing an environment of inclusivity, the Provost of the college had inadvertently fueled tension by taking actions that seemed antagonistic to Muslim students and their religious practices. These allegations garnered traction on social media platforms, magnifying the religious unease within and beyond the confines of the Yola Town-based institution.

Offering her response to the unfolding situation, the College’s Provost, Lami Aminu, clarified that the crux of the matter pertained to the hue of the head coverings, not the khimar itself.

Aminu elucidated that only students adorning non-sanctioned black khimars might encounter complications with the administration.

She went on to explain that the management of the college had engaged in deliberations concerning the issue of certain students opting for black khimars, rather than the authorized white ones specified for Muslim students.

“The institution remains impartial with regard to religious affiliation. It stands as a bastion for scholarly excellence,” Aminu underlined while reiterating the existence of an established dress code for all students. She highlighted that the consensus to adopt white khimars was reached through a comprehensive managerial discussion, involving representatives from various Muslim student unions.