Fatima Abubakre
@unilorin.edu.ng
Lecturer, Department of Mass Communication/ Faculty of Communication and Information Sciences
University of Ilorin, Nigeria
RESEARCH, TEACHING, or OTHER INTERESTS
Communication
Scopus Publications
Scopus Publications
Fatima Abubakre
Informa UK Limited
Abstract The controversy surrounding women wearing head covers in public institutions in Nigeria has revealed much about the attitude of the Nigerian media, particularly in institutions located in the “Lagos-Ibadan” axis, when representing Islam and Muslims in the country. This research examines Nigeria’s newspaper reporting on the usage of hijab in public schools, particularly in south-west Nigeria, citing the incident in Osun State as a case study. The prevalent scenario in Osun State is also largely relevant in Lagos State, both of which have addressed the matter through litigation. Results from content analysis in four national dailies—The Nation, The Punch, The Guardian, and Vanguard—show that the hijab is predominantly reported on through the polarized lens of either judicial interpretation or Muslim–Christian strife. This paper also thematically examines how the editorial opinions published by Daily Trust, The Nation and The Punch have deliberated on this issue and findings also indicate that Nigeria’s media response to issues that affect Muslims receive less-than-favourable coverage within mainstream media. This ultimately has implications on how Islam and Muslims are construed within society. This study will argue Muslims must work to neutralize pejorative media narratives on Islam through increasing exposure in mass media and working towards eliminating biased representations of Islam and its values.