Hijab Ruling: Lagos MSSN Recommends Resignation, Prosecution For Defaulting Teacher, Principal

The Muslim Students Society of Nigeria, Lagos State Area Unit has directed the government to fire and prosecute any teacher or principal who harass and victimize hijab users in schools.

This is because the body encouraged its members to be brave in wearing the hijab to school, despite the harassment and harassment experienced in some schools.

The Amirah (woman president) of MSSN Lagos, Azeezah Gidigbih, said this in her speech on World Hijab Day 2023, on World Hijab Day which is celebrated worldwide on February 1 to celebrate women who wear hijab and discourage discrimination.

She explained that the theme of this year’s WHD, “Progression, not oppression,” reflected the situation of hijab-wearing students in Nigeria.

According to her, “Just like yesterday, we cheered when the Supreme Court awarded us victory over the use of hijab in schools after a legal battle of about 10 years.

“Indeed, we are making progress. Our efforts are yielding positive results and we will not rest until we reach 100% agreement on the use of hijab by our members,” she added.

While Gidigbih threatened to sue anyone who harassed students and denied them the right to use the hijab in schools, Gidigbih challenged the Lagos government to publicly punish any misbehaving principal or teacher.

Gidigbih, who commended the Lagos government for issuing a circular to allow hijab in public schools, deplored the continued harassment of its members in hijab after the Supreme Court ruling and the state government’s circular last year.

She said: “It is no longer news that the Supreme Court approved in June 2022 that students are allowed to wear the hijab in all schools. However, this move has not deterred some overzealous school administrators who still flout caution and harass students without regard to the constitution and guidelines of their employers.

“We recommend demoting, firing, prosecuting and jailing them rather than simply transferring them, as we have seen in recent cases. These disobedient elements do not deserve to be part of our education system in Lagos State.

“While we are not opposed to students adhering to school rules and dress codes, we will not allow the effect of the Supreme Court ruling to be diluted and rendered worthless.”

She also praised the recent appointment of a hijabi Dr. Shareefah Adejoke Yusuf as Tutor General/Permanent Secretary, Education District VI by the Lagos Government.

“Like every other year, the problems are the same. Muslim women have shown over time that a great deal can be achieved with the hijab and like others we should be able to show our capabilities.

“It is worth noting the recent appointment of a hijabi Dr. Shareefah Adejoke Yusuf as Tutor General/Permanent Secretary, Education District VI by the Lagos Government. This is a confirmation that the hijab is not a limiting factor for an individual’s success. We commend Lagos State for this step and we are sure of more success in the near future with more innovation and achievement by other hijabis,” she said.

In this year’s theme of World Hijab Day, the female head of MSSNLagos praised its members who have weathered the storm at various levels and become successful in their chosen career paths.

She also thanked Muslim lawyers, teachers, rights groups, imams and others who defended the rights of Muslim students under the leadership of Amir Miftahudeen Thanni.

However, Gidigbih urged all stakeholders to encourage students and workers who have chosen to use the hijab and give them equal opportunities to learn and grow to further build society.