So, FUNAAB Management wants Muslim Students to get approval to practice Islam. Dey Play!

On September 9, 2023, between 9am and 2pm, the Niqab controversy has come to light once more. A student at FUNAAB (Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta) was prohibited from entering the school because she was wearing a Niqab, but due to agreements reached and the absence of any evidence to displease her, she was later permitted entry. After this issue was settled, the case came up again on September 10, 2023, and after the agreement was struck, students wearing Niqabs were once again prohibited from entering the school. Therefore, the Amir and the excos in command are doing everything they can to prevent this circumstance from happening again. On the MSSN FUNAAB PAGE, there is a proof video.

The Niqab Case: Mariam Afeez V. FUNAAB’s High Court Decision

The Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB) branch of the Muslim Students Society of Nigeria (MSSN) has gone to social media to protest against alleged bullying and victimization by the school administration against students wearing “Niqabs,” according to Sahara Reporters on Tuesday.

“This was seen in a series of tweets made by the union on Tuesday, describing the decision of the management to ban ‘Niqab’ as a breach of constitutional right. The students, in their numbers, took to the University’s gate on Monday, carrying placards with different inscriptions to protest against the development.” “Why Victimising our Muslim Sisters For Practising Their Religion,” one of the placards read.

The blog states: “They alleged that there is no any justification for the school management to allow some students to roam almost naked around the school premises and have issues with Muslim students who are covering their bodies with Niqabs.

The MSSN FUNAAB branch stated in a similar manner:”The Muslim Students Society of Nigeria (MSSN), Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB) branch has taken to social media to protest over alleged bullying and victimisation by the school management against students wearing “Niqab.” “This was seen in a series of tweets made by the union on Tuesday, describing the decision of the management to ban ‘Niqab’ as a breach of constitutional right. The students, in their numbers, took to the University’s gate on Monday, carrying placards with different inscriptions to protest against the development.” Another person wrote, “Why Victimising our Muslim Sisters For Practising Their Religion.

According to the blog, “They alleged that there is no any justification for the school management to allow some students to roam almost naked around the school premises and have issues with Muslim students who are covering their bodies with Niqabs.

Similarly, the FUNAAB branch of MSSN wrote, “The bullying from the school management towards Niqab using sisters is getting out of hand. We have the right to dress according to our beliefs! “Why do our Niqab-using sisters have to face the Student Disciplinary Committee for practicing their religion?” “Why do we have to live in hardship on FUNAAB Campus for practising our religion? Niqab is part of the Islamic dressing for Muslim ladies, it’s our right!” another post added.

“Even a Niqobite who is not a student of the school can’t enter, it is this worse. I can’t check on my child, friend or relative who is a student of FUNAAB if I am veiled I can only be allowed in if I unveiled. It’s now more than Niqob, they deny Muslim students access to any school facilities like halls and Co. And they even have to take permission before they use the Mosque for anything,” a netizen lamented.

VIDEO: The ACP and the school CSO in the FUNAAB mosque (MSSN FUNAAB)

“It is a privilege not your right, if the school (FUNAAB) management gives you the permission to practice your religion… Your freedom to practice your religion is a privilege, not your right!” – ACP

MSSN FUNAAB: A police officer saying it is a privilege to practice your religion and not our right. “This means that the FUNAAB constitution is above the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. The House of Representatives of Nigeria and the House of Representatives, Federal Republic of Nigeria should please explain this.”

Meanwhile, Ta’awunu Human Rights Initiative, THURIST-Nigeria in statement said: “it is important to know the law stricto sensu before dashing out any comment on boiling issues. The Ogun State Commissioner of Police summersaulted in law to have remarked that rights enshrined in the constitution are not absolute and that Hijab and Veil for Muslim students are privileges. The interpretation of any provision of the Constitution or other laws is for the court to determine and not a duty of a police officer whose duty is to implement the decision of the court as an agent of law enforcement in Nigeria.

However, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun of the Supreme Court of Nigeria, delivering the lead judgment in the victorious hijab case of Lagos State Government Vs Asiyat Abdulkareem citing the case of Bronik Motors Vs Wema Bank held that “Nigeria is a multi-religious and multi-cultural society, which is evolving continuously and citizens are becoming more aware of their rights and the avenue through which to enforce them.

“This court, Per Nnamani, JSC, reiterated the principles of the construction of the constitutional provisions to the effect that a constitution is a living document providing a framework for the governance of a country, not only for the present, but for generations yet unborn. Adopting a liberal interpretation of section 38 of the 1999 constitution as amended, I hold that it amounts to a breach of the 1st and 2nd Respondents rights to freedom of thought, conscience and religion to forbid the wearing of hijab, by those who wish to do so, on their uniform.

“If it is the desire of the appellants to foster unity and sense of belonging among all students, it should standardize the hijab for use in schools and incorporate it in the prescribed uniform.”

Another Planned Protest by MSSN FUNAAB Was Postponed

Today, MSSN FUNAAB has postponed any plans for a demonstration. Fadlullahi Olamilekan, Fahd
President/Amir, MSSN FUNAAB in a letter addressed to the student said, “I am writing to make an appeal to all my fellow Muslims who may have been contemplating a prayer gathering at the school gate this morning, on September 12th, 2023.

“Yesterday, I had the privilege of representing the interests of all Muslim Students of the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, alongside other representatives including esteemed individuals, religious and thought leaders, the members of the University Management as well as the Honourable Commissioner of Police, Ogun State. During our meeting, we reached several resolutions aimed at achieving our objectives in a peaceful manner.

“Therefore, I urge and strongly recommend that, in light of these latest developments, we refrain from engaging in any form of active demonstration. A Public Memo would be released soon to give us all the necessary details,” he added.