The Federation of Muslim Women’s Associations in Nigeria (FOMWAN) has expressed worry over the incessant denial of the right and duty of Muslim women and girls regarding the wearing of hijab in some parts of the country.
The organisation particularly expressed disappointment at the recent ruling of a Lagos high court banning the use of hijab in public schools in Lagos State.
A release by FOMWAN’s National Amirah (President), Hajia A. B. Omoti, said the court ruling had upset the Muslim community in the state and, indeed, the entire country as evidenced by the series of protests, agitations and press conferences by various Muslim groups.
“Islam, without gainsaying, is both a religion and a way of life for adherents. Hijab is a covering for Muslim women and girls, the wearing of which is an injunction of Allah, aimed at protecting the vulnerability of women in the society. “Hijab is also a form of dressing by which female Muslims manifest profession and practice of their faith. “The Nigerian Constitution, section 38(B), recognizes the fundamental right of citizens to adhere to and practice their religion. “It is in recognition of this fundamental right that the Federal Government, in its wisdom, prescribed a dress code for the Muslim girl in the unity schools throughout the country,” FOMWAN said.
It said the Oyo and Ekiti state governments had similarly given approval for Muslim students in their public schools to don the hijab. “We are also aware that female nurses in training and qualified female nurses in most government hospitals are permitted to wear the hijab. This policy has recently been approved by the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), in Lagos State.“In view of the forgoing, FOMWAN calls on the Lagos State government to take a look into this serious issue as a matter of urgency in the interest of peace and harmony in the state.
“It is our hope and prayer that this matter would be amicably resolved,” the organization added.
