The Director of Nursing, Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital Complex (OAUTHC), Ile-Ife, Osun State, Mr Onini Victor, has allegedly queried three nurses for putting on trousers.

The nurses, Mrs Olaleye Nihmat, Mrs Alimat Aminat and Mrs Olabanji, were asked to remove their trousers and wear only a gown instead. They were reportedly chased out of the ward on Tuesday and seriously warned not to wear trousers again to work or risk being relieved of their duties.

According to one of the affected nurses, Mrs Olaleye Nihmat, “It is in our law that we can put on a trouser and the nurse gown but we were surprised when we were called by the director to see him in the office. When we got to his office, he ordered us to remove our trousers or else, we will be fired.

“We said okay to him, and instantly ran to meet with the Muslim community. The Muslim community advised us to remove the trouser and promised to look into the matter.”

When asked why she preferred to wear trousers while on duty, she said it was based on the policy of the Nursing Council of Nigeria that nurses can wear either a nurse cap or shoulder length Hijab with trousers.

When contacted, the OAUTHC Director of Nursing said that nurses are only permitted to wear a gown and a small Hijab – not trousers.

This is, however, contrary to a circular from Nursing & Midwifery Council of Nigeria signed by the Secretary General, P.N, Ndatsu, dated 11th February, 2002 with reference number N&MCN/CMF/721/1/3.

Section 2, subsection b(III) of the circular sent to all Directors of Nursing, their deputies, Chief Medical Doctors, Chief Executives and Principals, prescribes that the nurses are permitted to wear trousers and a gown with long sleeve.

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