27th May, 2013
Hundreds of Muslim students Monday took to the streets to protest the decision by the Lagos State Government to ban the use of hijab (veil) by female Muslim students in public schools in the state.
Led by Muslim teachers and clerics, the protesters under the aegis of the Muslim Students Society of Nigeria (MSSN) Lagos State Chapter said they will continue to protest and explore every available means to ensure that the right of Muslim students to wear hijab in public schools is protected.
The female students who wore hijab on their various school uniforms said they will continue to wear the hijab to schools pending the outcome of the suit they instituted against the state over the matter.
Meanwhile, the Lagos State government Monday opted for an out-of-court settlement over the crisis between it and the Muslim students.
At the proceeding presided over by Justice Olubunmi Oyewole, counsel to the state government, Samuel Muniru Ajanaku informed the court that the state has decided not to file a response to the suit because it believes that the matter can be resolved out of court.
In his response, the leading counsel for the applicants, Taiwo Hassan Fajimite said it is unfortunate that the state has not responded on the case until now but that the Muslim community is willing to meet the state government and consider the terms being offered whether they are acceptable.
Justice Oyewole in his remark however urged both parties to explore the dialogue option and report back to the court in the next adjourned date.
The matter was adjourned till 10 July, 2013.
—Henry Ojelu