The University of Ibadan International School has been shut indefinitely for denying female Muslims in the school the right to wear Hijab (head scarf) by the principal of the school, Phebean Olowe.
The decision to stop academic activities was sequel to the appearance of some students who were adorned in Hijab against what the management described as the school dress code.
Parents under the aegis of International School Muslim Parents’ Forum in a letter dated November 9, 2018 and signed by one Abdurrhaman Balogun (Chairman) and Bilikis Badiru (Secretary), noted that it: “put the school management on notice of this resolution on the rights of our female children to commence the use of Hijab from this academic session of 2018/2019.”
The forum argued that “Hijab wearing for young Muslim girls, apart from the fact that it is part of their religious belief, is part of their God-given fundamental human right as well as the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
Consequently, both school assembly and classes were cancelled when Hijab wearing students were sighted by the school authorities.
Reacting to the development, the Deputy Vice Chancellor Academic, Professor Abideen Aderinto who doubles as the Chairman Court of Governors of the school stated that the jungle approach being used by the parents will not be tolerated.
Prof. Aderinto who said the school is a private school and not run by any Kobo from government stated that the school has rules governing dress codes which all parents agreed to.
Aderinto explained that while he received the letter on November 9, he held a meeting with the forum on Saturday for more than two hours adding that he was shocked and disappointed that the parents could be frustrating efforts of the management at restoring the glory of the school.
“I am the Chairman of the Court of Governors and I am a proud Muslim. ISI is a private school. UI does not fund it. It is funded by the fees collected. It is unfortunate that this is coming up now. Even the Parents Teacher Association is not aware of the idea by this group. Indeed some other Muslim parents expressed shock when they heard about this forum.
“Since its establishment in 1963, the school has not experienced any religious crisis and we would want to guide against it. The Muslim and Christian students have a place to worship in the school. Whoever is desired to change the rules should go through the process. The teachers do not feel safe and so could not have taught anybody because it is a strange development.
“I appeal to these people to stop their action and allow peace to reign in the school. It is even strange that this matter was not discussed at the Parents Teachers Association at all headed by another Muslim and lawyer, barrister Kazeem Olaniyan.”
Reacting on behalf of the forum, Balogun expressed surprise that the school was shut down because of female students adorned in Hijab in line with their constitutional right.
