MSSN Loses Hijab Case Against Lagos

Justice Grace Onyeabo of a Lagos High Court sitting in Ikeja has struck out a case brought before her by the Muslim Student Society of Nigeria, MSSN, challenging the ban on the use of religious veil commonly used by female Muslims called Hijab, in public primary and secondary schools in the state.

After the state government announced the prohibition of Hijab in its schools, the Muslim group, and two junior secondary school students dragged the state government to court, claiming the ban infringed on rights of female Muslim students.

MSSN had argued that the restriction violates Sections 38 and 42 of the 1999 Constitution, but the court held on Friday that the ban had not in any way breached those parts of the Constitution claimed by the students.

Justice Onyeabo explained that Section 10 of the Constitution describes Nigeria as a secular state, adding that since public schools are owned and funded by the government, it is within the powers and responsibility of the state government to issue guidelines and dress codes for its students.

The Lagos State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Ade Ipaye; the Commissioner for Education, Mrs Olayinka Oladunjoye; and the Commissioner for Home Affairs and Culture, Oyinlomo Danmole were joined in the suit as defendants.

MSSN, Miss Asiyat Abdulkareem and Miss Maryam Oyeniyi of Atunrashe Junior High School, Surulere, Lagos State filed the suit against the government.

Meanwhile, the students, through their counsel, have indicated their intention to appeal the court judgement.