The University of Ibadan International School has been shut indefinitely for denying female Muslims in the school the right to wear Hijab (head scarf) by the principal of the school, Phebean Olowe.

The decision to stop academic activities was sequel to the appearance of some students who were adorned in Hijab against what the management described as the school dress code.

Parents under the aegis of International School Muslim Parents’ Forum in a letter dated November 9, 2018 and signed by one Abdurrhaman Balogun (Chairman) and Bilikis Badiru (Secretary), noted that it: “put the school management on notice of this resolution on the rights of our female children to commence the use of Hijab from this academic session of 2018/2019.”

The forum argued that “Hijab wearing for young Muslim girls, apart from the fact that it is part of their religious belief, is part of their God-given fundamental human right as well as the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”

Consequently, both school assembly and classes were cancelled when Hijab wearing students were sighted by the school authorities.

Reacting to the development, the Deputy Vice Chancellor Academic, Professor Abideen Aderinto who doubles as the Chairman Court of Governors of the school stated that the jungle approach being used by the parents will not be tolerated.

Prof. Aderinto who said the school is a private school and not run by any Kobo from government stated that the school has rules governing dress codes which all parents agreed to.

Aderinto explained that while he received the letter on November 9, he held a meeting with the forum on Saturday for more than two hours adding that he was shocked and disappointed that the parents could be frustrating efforts of the management at restoring the glory of the school.

Reacting on behalf of the forum, Balogun expressed surprise that the school was shut down because of female students adorned in Hijab in line with their constitutional right.

•Excerpted from Daily Trust report

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