JUST IN: Lagos GOVT. Approves Use Of HIJAB In Schools

The Muslim Students’ Society of Nigeria, Lagos State Area Unit
has commended the Lagos State Government for upholding the rule of
law through its approval of the use of hijab in public schools.

This was contained in a press statement by the Amir (president)
of the MSSN Lagos, Saheed Ashafa (Ph.D), to react to a circular
recently issued by the Lagos State Government granting the use of
hijab in schools.

The circular conveyed the government’s approval “of the outcome
/recommendations of the panel on the use of Hijab” and urged
compliance.

According to Ashafa, the circular would help to stop harassment
and victimisation of female Muslim students for wearing hijab.

He recalled that despite the Appeal Court judgement, female
Muslim students were punished and denied entrance into classrooms
for putting on the hijab.

By issuing the circular, Ashafa said the Lagos State Government
has towed the path of honour and deserved to be praised for
such.

He said: “We extol this gesture and the resoluteness of the
state government in ensuring that an avoidable strife do not find
ways into the peaceful atmosphere being enjoyed in Lagos State.

“We are pleased with this development because the embarrassing
way and manner that our members are being victimised, harassed,
punished and denied entrance into their classrooms for wearing
hijab would stop.

“We have constantly told the state government that while a case
on the hijab is awaiting final verdict at the Supreme Court, no
teacher has the right to punish female pupils for wearing hijab.
The Appeal Court in the case clearly states that wearing hijab by
students, whether within or outside the school premises was a
fundamental Human Right entrenched in the constitution.

“It is important to notify you that we will not allow further
lawlessness and flagrant disregard for rule of law to stay after
this circular. The circular would also help to stop the abuse of
rights which could have degenerated into crisis or violence that
may lead to the disruption of activities in schools in our dear
state.

“We commend this intervention aimed at calling teachers,
principals and tutor general to order. This circular approving
wearing of hijab by students on their school uniform within and
outside school premises, will ensure peace and order in our schools
and stability in the state’s education system.”

Ashafa subsequently encouraged female Muslim students to be
confident, smart and neat while putting on the hijab.

“We hereby call on female muslim students to enjoy their rights
without fear of molestation. While exhibiting their rights, they
should remain law abiding and be good ambassadors of the religion
of peace,” he added.

He congratulated Muslims in the state and islamic organisations
for ensuring that Muslims are not denied their rights.

The circular read in part: “Since the case of the use of Hijab
in Lagos State is still pending in the Supreme court of Nigeria,
status quo be maintained, to avoid contempt of the court, that is
students be allowed to wear Hijabs on school uniforms but same must
be short, smart, neat and in the same colour of the uniform
(skirt).

“Furthermore, schools management are advised to downplay
comments and disciplinary actions on the use of smart Hijabs until
the final determination of the case by Supreme Court.

“No student should be discriminated against in any form on the
basis of religion.

“All principals and teachers must be sensitized to comply
accordingly. You are enjoined to adhere strictly to these
recommendations.”