Controversy has greeted the use of hijab by some female Muslim pupils of Ladoke Akintola University of Technology International School, Ogbomoso.
About 50 pupils of the tertiary institution’s secondary school, on Monday, appeared in hijab.
However, the school’s authorities responded swiftly, as the pupils were either locked out of the school gate or asked to remove the unofficial items of dressing.
An academic staff who seems to be interested in the case (names withheld) leaked the development to journalists in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.
The statement he sent via e-mail reads, “Hijab imbroglio: Welcome to LAUTECH Secondary School, Ogbomoso, Oyo State.
“The story dates back to 2011, when the first request was made to the Governing Board of the school to allow our willing Muslim female children to use hijab as part of their school uniform in line with Islamic dictates.
“Our Muslim girls, over the period, have been using beret instead of hijab in their own case, contrary to the Islamic dictates.
“Our patience, over time, as law abiding citizens, was premised on our belief that the management of the school will do the needful and give regard to the rule of law and provision of the Constitution guaranteeing fundamental human rights of everybody.
“Having waited endlessly since 2011, it was decided on the 4th of January, 2019 that our willing Muslim female children should commence the use of hijab as school resumed on 7/1/2019.”
Confirming the development, the principal of the school, Mr. Ibrahim Animashaun, sued for peace.
He said in a telephone conversation with our Correspondent that, “The school board of governors is yet to approve the use of hijab.
“And the board is looking at their letter. So, we are yet to communicate to them.
“Until we communicate with them. The status quo remains until the board approves their request.
“We spoke with the aggrieved parents that their letter is still with the board.
“LAUTECH International School Board of Governors is looking at their letter.”
