Federal government supports Hijab wearing in secondary Schools

The Federal Government through the office of the Minister of Education, has maintained the Nigerian constitution allows Muslims wear hijab, saying it’s a symbol of Islamic religion and should not be condemned.

Recall that Topnaija.ng reported the hijab-wearing crises in Osun, Kwara and Oyo States recently.

Speaking during a public lecture at the National Mosque, Abuja, Minister of Education, Adamu Adamu, said all citizens are allowed to practise their religions as long as no harm or inconvenience is caused to other people.

The minister who was represented by the Social Mobilisation Department, Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), Hajiya Sidikat Shomope, said it was unfortunate that the controversy over the wearing of hijab in the country had gone down to the school level and generated needless clashes.

He said: “The wearing of hijab by Muslim women is a Sunna as recommended in the Holy Qur’an (Q 33 V 59).

“Our children will remain citizens of Nigeria irrespective of their faith. They will live and interact in the world outside school where no boundary exists between the religions. 

“We should understand that the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria guarantees freedom of religion to all citizens. This, by implication, means that all citizens are allowed to practice their religions according to the teachings of their faith as long as no harm or inconvenience is caused to other people.”

Speaking further, he appealed to all traditional, religions and community leaders to use their offices to douse tension so that Nigerians could all live in peace, harmony and tolerance.