Supreme Court affirms use of hijab in Lagos schools

The Supreme Court has approved the wearing of hijab to school without discrimination and harassment in Lagos State.

The apex court in the country has approved the rights of Muslims female students in Lagos State to put on hijabs to school.

The ruling was made by the supreme court on Friday in Abuja.

On the panel were Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, Justice John Inyang Okoro, Justice Uwani Aji, Justice Mohammed Garba, Justice Tijjani Abubakar, and Justice Emmanuel Agim.

While five ruled in favour of the use of hijab, two did not.

Recall that a high court in Lagos State had in October 2014, ruled against wearing of hijabs in schools.

The judgement was upturned by an appeal court in July 2016.

The appeal court has held that the decision of the high court was a discrimination against Muslims in Lagos state.

Felt uncomfortable with the judgment of the appellate court, the state government dragged the case to the supreme court.

The state government banned the use of hijab in August 2018.

The state government told the people to respect the status quo to avoid contempt of court.

“Since the case of the use of Hijab in Lagos State is still pending in the Supreme court of Nigeria, status quo be maintained, to avoid contempt of the court, that is students be allowed to wear Hijabs on school uniforms but same must be short, smart, neat and in the same colour of the uniform (skirt),” the circular read.

“Furthermore, schools management are advised to downplay comments and disciplinary actions on the use of smart Hijabs until the final determination of the case by Supreme Court.

“No student should be discriminated against in any form on the basis of religion.

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