14th November, 2018
PRESS RELEASE:
MURIC HAILS LAGOS
GOVT FOR APPROVING HIJAB
The Lagos State government yesterday 13th November 2018 issued
a circular approving 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.
“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”.
In a terse statement issued on Wednesday 14th November, 2018,
the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) hailed the state government for taking the
decision.
According to Professor Ishaq Akintola who signed the statement, “Though
belated, it is better to be late than never to do it at all. The wind of change
is sweeping across the South West and no state government wants to be caught
within the camp of reactionaries.
“We call on all government agencies and employers of labour to note this
development. It is a monumental decision. The patience exhibited by Lagos
Muslims has paid off. A quiet and peaceful revolution is ongoing and it is in
the best interest of all men and women of goodwill to join the train before it
leaves the station so that they may not be left behind.
“Reports
reaching MURIC headquarters say 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.
“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.
“In conclusion, we charge all the Islamic organizations in the state to
immediately set up monitoring units for the successful implementation of the
state government’s directive. Muslim parents should be mobilized to visit
schools for the purpose of ensuring compliance. We warn that nobody should take
the law into his or her hands. Defaulting principals and recalcitrant teachers
should be reported to the nearest office of Islamic organizations.
Professor Ishaq Akintola,
Director,
Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC)
Director,
Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC)
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