Two students of Igboye community secondary school, Igboye, Epe have been prevented from writing exams, Hijab Rights Advocacy Initiative disclosed this in a statement released to the public earlier today. Quoting the student according to the statement signed by Mutiat Orolu-Balogun Executive Director of the human right organisation, “We were denied from joining their classes for revision as well last week.”
The statement reads, “The father of the said students visited the school and showed the principal Mrs Odushoga the court judgments as well as the memo on Hijab, she was adamant that the students will not be allowed.
The father had hitherto considered withdrawing his children, but since they were about to write exams, he brought them back.
Hijab Advocacy: Reviving Fundamental Rights of Nigerian Muslims
Mutiat Orolu-Balogun said, “This is a public school run for the general citizens and yet principals are allowed to defy the laid down laws and regulations without any consequences. They are allowed to disregard Human Rights as upheld in the constitution and regulations on this matter.
We say every child has a right to be educated, yet Muslim girls are not accorded the same rights. They will, unlike other children, have to choose between their faith and an education.”
The organisation noted that relevant government agency have been notified for clarity and redress on the matter.
We have written to the Honorable Commissioner on this matter on the 8th of December, in order to prevent this impasse. We have also spoken to her and she has promised to look into it.
We have taken all legal means to protect our rights, yet this is still happening to our children. If we have truly learned anything from the ENDSARS protests, it is that the legitimate cries of citizens should not be ignored.
She added that, “We will continue to be law abiding while advocating for our rights. However, we will not hesitate to hold anyone who tramples on our rights accountable, while also bringing to bear the full weight of the law on such persons.
We hope to build together, “Nation where peace and justice shall reign.”
The Hijab Rights Advocacy Initiative is a Muslim Women based Non-Governmental Organisation that caters for the rights of Muslim women who choose to wear the Hijab in Nigeria.
