Ebun Francis|
The Lagos state government has approved the use of hijab by muslim female pupils in public schools.
The government said the decision is to maintain the status quo pending the determination of its suit at the supreme court challenging the appeal courts decision which struck down an earlier ruling by a Lagos high court banning the use of hijab in public schools in the state in 2016.
The latest decision by the state government on the controversial issue was made public via a circular by the state’s area unit of the Muslim Students’ Society of Nigeria (MSSN).
In the circular, the state government said the hijab must be “short, smart, neat and in the same colour of the uniform (skirt).
The circular read, “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.”
The Muslim students’ society of Nigeria, MSSN, in a statement by Saheed Ashafa, its amir in Lagos, said the state government has towed the path of honour.
Ashafa said the circular would help to stop the “harassment and victimisation of female Muslim students for wearing hijab.”
“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,” the statement read.
“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…
“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.”