Lagos Hijab Ban Upheld ...Court Dismisses Muslim Students' Suit

An Ikeja High Court has upheld the Lagos State Government (LASG) ban on the wearing of hijab (female head scarf worn by Muslim women) by students in public primary and secondary schools in the state.

Justice Modupe Onyeabo, delivered the judgement today (Friday), NAN reports.

On May 27, 2013, two 12-year-old female members of the Muslim Students of Nigeria (MSN), Lagos State Area Unit had instituted a suit against the hijab ban, announced in 2013.

In their suit, the plaintiffs prayed the court to recognise the ban as discriminatory and a violation of their rights to freedom of thought, religion and education.

But Justice Onyeabor dismissed the suit on the grounds that the prohibition of wearing of Hijab is not discriminatory and does not violate sections 38 and 42 of the 1999 constitution.

“The non-Hijab wearing students will feel inferior to those who are putting on Hijab.

“The values of plurality and the respect for the rights of others who have subscribed to a non-faith based educational system cannot be breached.

“In that effect, the issue is resolved in favour of the respondents and the suit is accordingly dismissed,’’ Onyeabor said.

She said uniform are prescribed for the purpose of ensuring uniformity and to allow every student pursue their academic aspirations devoid of religious affiliations.

Counsel to the plaintiff, Chief Gani Adetola-Kazeem, told NAN that his clients would appeal the judgment.