MSSN calls for the prosecution of headmasters and teachers who oppose the hijab

THE Muslim Students Association of Nigeria, Lagos State Area Unit, has encouraged its members to be brave in wearing the hijab to schools, despite the high level of harassment and victimization experienced in a few schools.

In her 2023 World Hijab Day (WHD) speech delivered by its amirah (female president), Azeezah Gidigbih, MSSN-Lagos urged the government to fire and prosecute any defaulting teacher or principal.

According to Gidigbih, MSSN-Lagos recommends that such erring individuals be fired, prosecuted and, if found guilty, jailed, rather than simply transferred.

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

“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 percent agreement on the use of hijab by our members,” said Gidigbih.

MSSN-Lagos threatened to sue anyone who harassed students and denied them the right to use the hijab in schools, but asked the state government to publicly punish any erring principal or teacher.

Gidigbih, who praised the state 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 burgeoning 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.”

The female head of MSSN-Lagos commended the recent appointment of a hijabi, Dr. Shareefah Adejoke, Yusuf as Tutor General/Permanent Secretary, Education District VI by the state government.

On the theme of this year’s World Hijab Day, ‘Progress, not oppression’, Gidigbih 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 and others who defended the rights of Muslim students.

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.