I live in part of Nigeria where school girls are forced to cut their hair like boys. Does this affect their Islam?

All perfect praise be to Allaah, The Lord of the Worlds. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allaah, and that Muhammad is His slave and Messenger. We ask Allaah to exalt his mention as well as that of his family and all his companions.

It is permissible for women to cut their hair as long as there is no resemblance to men or non-Muslim women. The evidence is that the Prophet's wives used to have their hair cut until the level of their earlobes. Imaam Muslim reported that Abu Salamah Ibn 'Abdur-Rahmaan Ibn 'Awf narrated that the Prophet's wives used to do so to reduce the burden that is caused by hair.

However, if cutting hair is a common characteristic of non-Muslim women or dissolute women, or that there is a resemblance to men, then it becomes forbidden. The Prophet said: "Allaah has cursed men who imitate women and has cursed women who imitate men." [Al-Bukhari]

Some scholars are of the view that it is forbidden for a woman to cut her hair except in a case of a necessity, like treating a head injury and the like.

However, even according to the view that it is forbidden for a woman to cut her hair, cutting it does not take the woman out of the fold of Islam, rather it is an act of disobedience that necessitates repentance.

Finally, we remind the questioner that a female who reaches the age of puberty has to cover her hair and all her body in front of marriageable men, including the hands and face. On this regard, please refer to Fataawa: 83033 and 83702.

Moreover, if these girls are obliged to uncover themselves (not to wear Hijab), then it is forbidden for them in such a case to go to school. Besides, it is not permissible for a Muslim woman to study in mixed schools as that causes much temptation and affliction. On this regard, please refer to Fataawa: 84281 and 87469.  

Allaah knows best.