Yesterday, (25th of November, 2015), several media houses misled Nigerians by spreading false headlines that Hijab has been banned in the NYSC scheme. Immediately, the National executives of the Muslim Corpers’ Association of Nigeria (MCAN) contacted the Director General of the scheme through a letter and Text messages to verify the news going viral.
Prior to the misleading news from the media, the National Executives of MCAN met with the DG on (Tuesday, 24 of November, 2015 which corresponds to the 12th of Safar, 1437AH) with respect to the same Hijab and harassment of Corps members issue in some states. In the meeting, the DG assured MCAN of collectively creating a lasting solution to the issues we raised.
On (Wednesday, 25 of November, 2015 which corresponds to the 13th of Safar, 1437AH) The DG discredited the misleading news of some media houses and bloggers such as Punch, Daily trust, and Linda Ikeji among others. He reaffirmed his willingness to work with MCAN executives to attain a better NYSC.

The following text messages were exchanged between the DG and MCAN to reach a consensus on the issue, as we await an official document to this effect;

MCAN:
“Good day sir, please can you kindly clarify the news on the Ban of hijab. Thank you”
25th of November, 2015 – 04: 59pm

Director General of NYSC:
“Nobody can ban the use of Hijab in NYSC. We are only pleading that due to the current security situation in the country, our corps members are requested to try and avoid use of Long Hijab. However, what’s your own view and advice on it? Thanks”
25th of November, 2015 – 05: 08pm

MCAN:
“It is a great honour and privilege to be given the opportunity to advice. We advise a hijab to the knee and a three quarter trousers. We have also asked our members to cooperate with the security agencies to maintaining peace and order during checking and to report suspicious persons. It is a great opportunity having your personality as DG, We pray for your long life and health. Thanks”
25th of November, 2015 – 06 : 44pm

Director General of NYSC:
“This is fine, I will ensure that this is conveyed to all the states orientation camp to guide them. Thanks and God bless.”
25th of November, 2015 – 06 : 50pm

Based on our discussion with the DG, all Muslim corps members are hereby informed that; White Hijabs which is up to the knee level and three quarter trousers are now accepted by NYSC pending the time the security challenges in the country will be totally eradicated, it’s very difficult to compromise our religious conventions to this extent by accepting to use Hijabs which are not up to the feet or ankle level however the DG pleaded we accept his offers in order to prevent any security threat. In addition , the DG also promised to send directives to all the NYSC staffs.

Hence, Kindly report any military or NYSC personal to your MCAN state Amir if you are harassed or ordered to take off your hijab, provided it’s around the knee level. In Sha Allah, we shall communicate further information to you shortly. As we await an official communication to this effect. Thus, we enjoy you to stay calm.

We advise all Corps Members to submit to security checks, be respectful, obedient, tolerant, prayerful and above all, report any provoking issue(s) to the rightful bodies in order to prevent any form of regrettable violence.

Kindly disregard all the misleading and false information from media houses. Get a first-hand information from MCAN in regards to Muslim corps members’ affairs. Furthermore, we enjoy all media houses to deploy investigative journalism before passing out information, as passing of wrong information of this nature can turn the country into total mess. We also use this medium to call the attention of the Ministry of Information to control the flow of unprofessional and misleading News.

Special Appreciations to;
The NYSC Director General : Brigadier General Johnson Olawunmi, SCIA , The Muslim Youth League in Da’awah, MURIC, FOMWAN, CRITERION, Other Islamic Bodies Individuals and Sisters’ Organisations who showed support through Calls, messages and media campaigns.

Source: http://www.9janewsarena.com/2015/11/nysc-dg-discredits-ban-of-hijab.html