By Apata Oyeniran
Copyright independent
A group, Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC), Oyo State Chapter, has commended ruling and a landmark achievement in the protection of the rights of Muslim female students across the state against denial and harassment to wear Hijab.
Ambassador Mallam Ibrahim Agunbiade, the Secretary, Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC), Oyo State, in a statement, stated the group took steps following reports from concerned parents led by Mallam Ayanrinde Daud to their office, regarding the refusal of some missionary public schools to admit female students wearing Hijab, and their prompt intervention.
“The State Secretary, Ambassador Mallam Ibrahim Agunbiade, personally led the affected parents and students to the office of the Chairman of the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Dr. Nurain Adeniran, who gave assurances that the matter would be addressed and requested one week to provide feedback.
“Within two days, Dr. Adeniran called to inform us that all students in public schools across Oyo State are now permitted to wear the hijab as part of their official school uniform.
According to Amb Agunbiade, the directive was jointly issued by the Chairman of the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) and the Chairman of the Teaching Service Commission (TESCOM) and was duly endorsed by the Honourable Commissioner for Education.
“The State Government has reaffirmed that no public school should discriminate against any student based on religious appearance or personal rights.
“Therefore, all students who were previously denied entry into schools on account of wearing the hijab are advised to return to their respective schools without delay to resume normal academic activities.”
Agunbiade described the development as a historic victory for justice, equality, and the protection of fundamental human rights.
MURIC, Oyo State Chapter, commended the Oyo State Government, the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), the Teaching Service Commission (TESCOM), and the Ministry of Education for their prompt response and unwavering commitment to upholding the rights of every student.
He urged Muslim students in the state to promptly report any case of continued denial or harassment to MURIC, Oyo State Chapter, for necessary action.
