The Ogun State Muslim Council (OMC) has commended the Federal Ministry of Education over its circular approving the use of cape-size hijab as part of the school uniform of female Muslim students in all the federal government-owned colleges.
The federal government gave the approval in a circular by the office of the education permanent secretary dated February 1, 2023.
The circular, titled: “Use of Corporate/Cape-Size Hijab as Part of School Uniform for Female Muslim Students of Federal Unity Colleges”, was forwarded to principals of all the unity colleges.
OMC described the circular as appropriate and compatible with the provision and the spirit of the country’s constitution.
The body, in a statement by its Secretary General, Alhaji Kamaldeen Akintunde, urged Governor Dapo Abiodun to also issue a similar circular directing the use of hijab in the state-owned schools.
The statement reads in part: “Ogun State Muslim Council implores the Ogun Ministry of Education, Science and Technology to emulate the federal ministry by issuing a similar circular in line with the religious freedom posture of the present administration and in tandem with conventional and best practices.
“As it is often said, that government business is done in writing, it behooves the administration to eschew sentiments and do what it thinks is right and within the framework of the country’s legal book.
“Circulars are administrative guidelines for implementation of government policies, and to empower officials implementing the policies to do things rightly and correctly.
“Ogun Muslim Council believes that the present administration in Ogun State is not averse to female Muslim students adorning white cape-size hijab on their uniform.
“We, therefore, urge Governor Abiodun to direct the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology to issue a circular formalising and/or endorsing the use of hijab by female Muslim students willing to do so in the state.”
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