MSSN asks Sanwo-Olu to issue circular on use of hijab in Lagos schools

The Muslim Students’ Society of Nigeria (MSSN) has asked the Lagos State Government to issue a circular reminding school administrators of the court’s ruling which allows Muslim students to use the hijab in schools.  Amirah (female president) of MSSN in Lagos State, Basheerah Majekodunmi, in a statement, called on Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and Speaker, Mudashiru […]

The Muslim Students’ Society of Nigeria (MSSN) has asked the Lagos State Government to issue a circular reminding school administrators of the court’s ruling which allows Muslim students to use the hijab in schools. 

Amirah (female president) of MSSN in Lagos State, Basheerah Majekodunmi, in a statement, called on Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and Speaker, Mudashiru Obasa, to order the issuance of a circular in compliance with the Court of Appeal judgement granting the use of hijab in public schools.

She lamented that many principals, teachers, and administrators are causing crises in schools under the guise that they did not receive the previous circular issued by the former governor, Akinwunmi Ambode.

The student leader, however, warned school principals and teachers against victimisation of Muslim students who wear the hijab, describing such action as approval of indecency among young people.

She said, “Ignorance is no excuse before the law. These teachers and principals who either feign ignorance or turn a deaf ear to justice and morality have made it difficult and fearful for students to use their hijab as prescribed by their creator.

“It is high time the Lagos State Government issued another circular that will be well-publicised. We enjoin peace in Lagos State and we don’t want crisis. Some principals and teachers are acting unlawfully and in a manner that could cause an outrage without quick intervention,” she stated.

Majekodunmi also acknowledged efforts by the state government to provide quality education for students but warned that continuous victimisation of Muslim students may sabotage these efforts. “The picture of Governor Sanwo-Olu sitting with a hijab-wearing student is a clear contrast of the injustice meted on some students who also choose to wear the hijab in other schools,” she added.

She recalled a case of two hijab-wearing Muslim students of Igboye Community High School, Epe, Lagos who were made to stand outside the classroom in the sun while their classmates were writing examination.

She said MSSN Lagos would continue to pursue such cases to the apex court.