Letting hijab be in Osun public schools

By Salman Umar

It is no longer news that the stance of the Osun Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) against the verdict of a competent court of jurisdiction to allow Muslim students to wear Hijab in Public schools in the state has caused an uncontrollable pandemonium in the state.

Fresh in the memory is the recent uproar in one of the public schools in the state, Baptist High School, Adeeke, Iwo. The students of the said school were reported to have appeared in church garments (choir gowns, church ropes and others) to the school. Also, it was reported that some members of the Christian Association of Nigeria were in the school to monitor the reaction of the teachers to the mode of dressing of their children.

It could be recalled that Justice Jide Falola of the Osun State High Court had on June 3 given a verdict that Muslim students should be allowed to wear hijab in all public schools in the state because it was part of their fundamental rights.

Consequent upon the verdict of the judgement, the Osun CAN has accused the Judge of prejudice. They however call on the state governor to call the judge to order and rescind the verdict earlier given on the wearing of hijab by Muslim students in public schools of the state. In addition, the Can has threatened that if the state government refuses to ac on the matter, they would order their members to command their children to wear church garments (choir gowns, church ropes and others) to the schools.

The result of their earlier threat is the uproar which occurred at Baptist High School, Adeeke, Iwo in Osun State this week.

It could be inferred that religious intolerance has become the order of the day in the state especially this one emanating from a high revered religious body in the state. The directive of the CAN is a serial fault which must be condemned by all and sundry. The act is a further display of religious intolerance by the group. Religion brings unity not discord. We must all be wary of our attitudes and reactions towards religious issues. Also, we must all understand that religion is a personal relationship with God. Let’s all embrace one another with peace and harmony as our brothers’ keeper.

It is of no doubt that the disgusting fight for supremacy over religion has made us so reckless in our demands from God Almighty. A critical analysis of the use of hijab and that of wearing church garments to schools has revealed that the Osun CAN is being jealous and hypocritical by ordering their wards to wear church garments to schools. Hijab is known as part of dressing for a well cultured Muslim Female. Without it, the dressing is un-Islamic. It is not something of ceremonial or occasional use. An average Muslim female uses hijab on a normal ground but, hardly could you see an average Christian wearing a church garment (choir gowns, church ropes and others) on a normal ground except for ceremony or occasion.

Therefore, from the fore-going, it is evidently clear that the Osun CAN is bringing religious bigotry as against tolerance for peaceful co-existence. Because, what does wearing of hijab cause to their religion? Or does that mean supremacy of a religion over the other?

For the sake of constitutional guidance Check Chapter four, section 38(1) and 38(3). Note the following interpretations in the above subsections of the constitution: 38(1): ” Every person shall be entitled to freedom of thought, conscience and religion, including freedom to…manifest and propagate his religion or belief in worship, teaching….”

Hijab is an ISLAMIC TEACHING!

“No religious community or denomination shall be prevented from providing religious instruction for pupils of that community or domination in any place of education…. ”

The use of hijab is an instruction from God to Muslim ladies.

My own point of submission on the matter is that the nucleus of all this nuisance is the serial error made by the state governor in the first instance to reclassify public schools in the state. The decision which brought Muslim students together with Christian Students and vice versa. The reclassification has caused more harm than good. In view of this, I hereby call on the state governor to hold this matter as a responsibility he has to take as a leader. He should come on ground and call appropriate authorities to order in order to ensure peace and harmonious relationship between Muslim and Christian faithful in the state.