Court Grants Female Muslim Students Wearing of Hijab in Osun Public Schools

An Osun State High Court granted female Muslim students in the state, the wearing of hijab in public schools.

Justice Jide Falola who gave the judgment cited section 38 (1) of the Nigerian Constitution which stipulated the right of every individual to practice their religion in tandem to their religious faith.

Falola said the Osun Muslim Community had dragged the Osun government to court to allow Muslim female students use hijab in public schools which had led to series of letters and accusation by Counsels of both Muslim and Christian community.

He said, the joining of Osun Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) into the suit, caused tension leading to several adjournments of the case and overruled the Application being filed by CAN.

The Justice ordered that every female Muslim students should be allowed to wear hijab in public schools as enshrined in their religious faith adding that the school authorities can determine colors of such hijabs to be used.

The Counsel to the Muslim Community, Mr. Kazeem Odedeji, expressed satisfaction in the judgment and added that the ruling was a well deserved.

Odedeji commended the effort of Justice Falola for the relentless effort in  the delivery of the judgment and urged all applicants involved in the suit to obey the ruling.

Mr Femi Ayandokun, CAN legal representative who appreciated the judge for the display of maturity in managing the situation, vowed to appeal the decision taking by court after proper consultation.

It would be recalled that the case was first filed in 2013 by the Muslim community challenging the state government to allow Muslim female students to wear hijab in public schools.