Home » News » Supreme Court Judgement: MSSN gives Lagos gov’t 30 – day ultimatum on use of Hijab Muslim Students
Muslim Students Society of Nigeria (MSSN) has warned Lagos State Government and its officials against harassment of Muslim Students on the issue of wearing of Hiin all institutions in the state just as it issued a 30-day ultimatum on the matter.
The body gave the warning in a circular against the backdrop of the recently delivered judgement by the Supreme Court approving the use of hijab in Lagos schools.
Delivering the ultimatum during a press conference on Wednesday, the students urged the government to caution its officials against harassing Muslim females wearing the hijab.
The president MSSN in Lagos State, Miftahudeen Thanni explained that issuing the circular would curb “overzealous” teachers and principals from contempt of court.
He said, “This is not to castigate the Lagos State Government but to appeal for the prompt implementation of the Supreme Court judgement.
“We waited patiently to get the judgement and we were lawful throughout. During this period, we consulted, collaborated, protested, held rallies and sensitised government officials on why a willing Muslim female should be allowed to put on the hijab.”
Recall that after about 10 years of legal tussle, the Supreme Court on Friday, July 17, 2022, approved the wearing of hijab by female Muslim students to school in Lagos State.
The majority decision affirmed the earlier Court of Appeal’s decision which restored the use of hijab by female Muslim students in Lagos State.
Displeased with the judgement, the Lagos State Government attempted to obtain a stay of execution of the Court of Appeal’s decision but failed.
In November 2018, the Lagos State Government issued an earlier circular to all principals of public secondary schools instructing them to allow students.
Miftahudeen said, “When the Lagos State Government issued the circular, we thought relief had come, but it is utterly unfortunate that some school authorities and some defective teachers are working against the circular. They are interested in ultimately jeopardising law and order.
“Instead of obeying the circular, some school principals, vice-principals and teachers feign ignorance of the approval of Hijab in Lagos State, and desperately began to deal with our members.
“For no reason should a girl-child be denied education again in Lagos State and Nigeria as a whole!
“The images of Muslim students sent out of the examination hall for wearing hijab touch the heart and consistently bring tears to the eyes. We do not want this to recur. The education of the girl-child is very paramount in our hearts. No Muslim girl should ever be told to choose between her faith and education. Both are her rights.
