The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) hailed the state government for taking the decision to approve the use of hijab by female Muslim students in all public schools.
The circular read inter alia, “Since the case of the use of hijab in Lagos State is still pending in the Supreme Court of Nigeria, the status quo should be maintained to avoid contempt of the court. That is, students should 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’ managements are advised to downplay comments and disciplinary actions on the use of smart hijabs until the final determination of the case by the Supreme Court.”
Director of MURIC, Professor Ishaq Akintola in a statement said the development though belated is better late than never.
“The wind of change is sweeping across the South West and no state government wants to be caught within the camp of reactionaries”, it said.
MURIC called on all government agencies and employers of labour to note the development.
It also confirmed that the Tutor General Permanent Secretary (TGPS) of District 6 has also issued a circular directing all school principals within the jurisdiction to allow female Muslim students who wish to use the hijab to do so.
“We are yet to hear anything from Districts 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5. We are therefore calling on the remaining five TGPS to follow suit. Delay will imply insurbodination and sabotage of government’s good intention”, it said.
It described the development as a monumental decision by government, adding, “The patience exhibited by Lagos Muslims has paid off.
“We congratulate the Lagos State chapters of the Muslim Students Society of Nigeria (MSSN), the Muslim Congress (TMC), the Muslim Teachers Association of Nigeria (MUTAN) and the Federation of Muslim Women Association of Nigeria (FOMWAN). We commend them for their steadfastness, patience and forbearance”.
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