HIJAB CRISIS: BAPTIST LGEA SURULERE ILORIN LOCK OUT MUSLIMS STUDENT

HIJAB PALAVER IN ILORIN SCHOOLS; THE LAW AS A CONCILIATORY TOOL AND THE WAY FORWARD.

Earlier this week, one of the grave problems we are having in the country erupted in some selected schools in Ilorin, the capital of kwara state. 

What is this problem? Religion intolerance and abuse of the persons of our teenage girls/daughters/sisters. 

This is saddening and its a cause for concern and we need to be outspoken against it in all legal way possible. As a Muslim law student, it'll be a dirty slap on my face and faces of others colleagues and Muslim lawyers alike to keep silent at this point in time, we are specially needed and so we must answer the Clarion call. We need to ensure that the Fundamental human Rights of our fellows are not tampered with.

 It is on this key note that i choose to look into what the law says as a way of fighting on behalf of our girls rather than joining other concerned people in emotional and self-styled argument and also go further to suggest some ways forward out of this age-long menace.

Nigeria is a country where ethnic is in multiple and diverse religions prevail even though some parts are dominated by members of a particular religion and control most of its activities. In the Northern part of the country, its inhabitants are predominantly Muslims and their daily affairs are guided mostly by Islamic doctrine. The Eastern part has Christian in majority, while South and West are intermediate in terms of religion's dominance. One common feature is, no region could be an island on itself without having people of different religion in its territory.  This is one of the reasons that informed the provision of the Constitution that  "The Government of the Federation or of a State shall not adopt any religion as State Religion".

 The implication of this provision is that no state could lay claim to Monopoly of a religion in its territorial boundary. As glearing as this fact is, suffice it to say that we are all free to act in accordance with the tenent of our believes without fear of discrimination and unnecessary hindrances.

Duly, we have chosen to enrol our girls in a goverment-owned school within our community so as to instill morals, values and understanding of their environments and beyond. As a result, our girls must be jealously protected by those people under whose capacities they are being subjected to at every material time. However, the reverse is the case as our girls are not only denied the primary purpose of which they have been enrolled-to learn, as they are being separated from their Christian counterparts and worse enough, being chased out of the school premises. They also go on to tamper with their Fundamental human rights by forcing cap on them in replace of Hijab which some have done considering they have no choice. This is a gross abuse of fundamental rights and wanton disregard for the Constitution as our girls have their right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion and the Constitution also provides that; " No person attending any place of education shall be required to receive religious instruction or to take part in or attend any religious ceremony or observance if such instruction ceremony or observance relates to a religion other than his own, or religion not approved by his parent or guardian".  

We are their parents/guardians and we do not approve the replacement of their Hijab with any unreasonable gown and cap whatsoever, then why the compulsion of these on our girls? And the last straw that brokes the camel's back is how our girls are being subjected to molestation and degrading treatment. We heard from them and we saw the videos. Isn't that enough a prove? Are you not aware of the right to dignity of their persons with utmost respect? Or are you misinformed? Then why subjecting them into inhuman and degrading treatment?  These and other genuine questions are begging for answer and you should be ready to give more than one.

It is my sincere call on the management of the schools affected to take heed to the provisions of the Constitution and stop the discrimination and inhuman treatment of our dear girls with immediate effect. Let their be religion tolerance, let's all strive towards an ideal society, let peace reigns in our dear state. Remember we are known for Harmony.

We are the major reasons why we elected our governor, he is in the best position to put a end to this problem and profer a lasting solution which he is doing to the best of his capacity currently by ordering the closure of the affected schools and setting up of committee to look into the matter. This is commendable and pleases earth.

Parents/guardians should be watchful of their children and keep in touch with their activities on a daily basis. Guide them, encourage them, and let them know the teaching of their religion. Importantly, we should know the nature of the school and how things work their before enrolling them, sometimes we may not have what it takes to claim the rights of our children in this country as it is today so it's better we be on a safer side. May we not contribute to reason why our children will go astray!

We should all be mindful of our reactions and comments on this issue so as not incite war that we won't be able to see its end.  I especially enjoy my Muslim fell to exercise patient in this matter, let them know what Islam preach-Peace. You know "violence" is the only language some hoodlums understand, don't give it to them to start that at the end of the day, we will all be worthy of blame. Let's leave it all to the appropriate authority to decide. May Allah come to our aid and make our teenage girls good ambassadors of islam.

              IBRAHEEM M. MUSTAPHA

                                                                                                     Student, department of common and sharia law, 

                                                                                                   faculty of law University of ilorin. 

                                                                                                 Mail; Ibraheemustapha27@gmail.com

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