By Ishola Balogun

Muslim Public Affairs Centre, MPAC, has said it will engage all lawful means to frustrate the decision of the Lagos State Ministry of Education with respect to the recent ban on hijab, adding that it will continue to actively workwith other Islamic organizations and stakeholders towards expanding the coalition to achieve reversal of the ban inthe quickest possible time.
In a similar vein, the Muslim Rights Concern, MURIC, called the attention of senior citizens in Lagos, men of goodwill, the Nigerian security agencies, human rights organizations and the international community to wade into the matter immediately.
MURIC in its statement said: “Muslims are peace-loving people. They go their own ways until authorities push them to the wall. The Allah-given and fundamental rights of Lagos Muslims are being flagrantly denied todayby the Lagos State government.”
“Muslims are civilized and cultured people. We issue no threats, but let nobody make a mistake about our resolve to ensure that justice is done. Already, MURIC has reported this hijab case to some international and local human rights bodies so that the whole world will know what is happening here.
Letters have been forwardedto Human Rights Watch, Amnesty International, The Islamic Human Rights Commission, National HumanRights Commission as well asthe House of Representatives’ Committee on Human Rights in Abuja. This is just the beginning. All available legitimate options are on the table.”
MURIC however urged the Lagos State House of Assembly to re-open dialogue on the demand of Muslims in the state on the use of hijab in public schools; and to put in place apublic hearing on the matter that will be well publicised and attended by Islamic organizations. It also demand for investigation and sanction against the principal of Kadara High School who was reported to have caned Aishat Alabi, a JSSI student for wearing hijab.
In a seperate statement signed by the chairman of MPAC, Disu Kamor, the group expressed shock that the Lagos State Ministry of Education will prevent students in public schools in the state from using the hijab (the obligatory female Muslim head covering). The Commissioner for Education Mrs. Olayinka Oladunjoye hadsaid last week at a press briefing in Ikeja that “usage of Hijab and other religious materials in public schools was against government’s policy”.
According to MPAC; “it is in flagrant violation of the religious and civic rights of the pupils. MPAC is shocked that rather than speak on behalf of the Constitution sheswore an oath to defend, Mrs. Oladunjoye is taking the State in a course of confrontation and down the dead end of religious intolerance.
The Lagos State government should have seen the use of hijab in public schools in the state as an opportunity to reinforce common public perception of Lagos State as a melting-pot and a good example where diverse groups and ideas co-exist peacefully, thus upholding the democratic ideals of inclusion and diversity.”
Reacting further, the association said this decisionis capable of bringing Muslims who desire to obey the Qur’anic injunction of adorning the hijab in all public places into confrontation with the school authority as the hijab will continue to be used in schools and workplaces.
“One thing is certain, the decision of the Lagos State Ministry of Education, although shocking, will not prevent the use of hijab in public schools, or anywhere else. Rather it will strengthenthe resolve to fulfil aspirationto obey the divine injunction,at all costs.
Everyone who holds dear thevalues of freedom and equality that the people of Nigeria have struggled so hard to establish over the years

for more go to
http://www.vanguardngr.com/2013/05/hijab-ban-in-lagos-mpac-muric-others-hit-back-at-govt/

For me i still feel that we need definate dressing code in most of our official things.
The dressing code which must decent, devoid of cultural and religious sentiment and good for the purpose.

If we countinue to import religion and cultural character into official matter, it will to anarchy.

I don't think it will be good if a male student sango worshiper wear skirt to school while female muslim use hijab and catholic girl wear her own sister gawn to school.

Nigeria is a multi-religion state rather secular the people in authority should recognize this and allow all to practise his/her religion, l could remember that I served in unity school in the north Hijab is part of the school uniform (rhyme in colour with the blouse) but not compulsory for the students, the christains were allowed to use beret (also not compulsory) and everyone practises his/her religions with no hindrance. The lagos state govt. Can take clue from this all they need to do is to make it part of the school uniform.