The Oyo State Government has reaffirmed the right of Muslim female students in public schools to wear the hijab as part of their official school uniform, a move hailed by the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC), Oyo State Chapter, as a landmark victory for justice and equality.
The resolution followed a petition by concerned parents, led by Mallam Ayanrinde Daud, to MURIC over the refusal of some missionary public schools to admit girls wearing the hijab. Responding swiftly, MURIC’s State Secretary, Ambassador Mallam Ibrahim Agunbiade, accompanied the affected parents and students to the office of the Chairman, State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Dr. Nurain Adeniran.
Dr. Adeniran, according to Agunbiade, assured that the issue would be addressed and requested a week for feedback. However, within two days, he informed MURIC that the state had formally resolved the matter.
In a joint directive issued by the SUBEB Chairman, the Chairman of the Teaching Service Commission (TESCOM), and endorsed by the Honourable Commissioner for Education, the state government declared that no public school should discriminate against any student on the basis of religious appearance or personal rights.
“All students in public schools across Oyo State are now permitted to wear the hijab as part of their official school uniform,” the directive affirmed.
The government further advised students previously denied entry on account of hijab to return to their schools immediately to continue their academic activities without hindrance.
Describing the development as a “historic victory for justice and fundamental human rights,” MURIC commended the Oyo State Government, SUBEB, TESCOM, and the Ministry of Education for their prompt intervention and commitment to fairness.
The group also urged parents and students to promptly report any future cases of denial or harassment to MURIC for necessary action.
