The Federation of Muslim Women’s Associations in Nigeria (FOMWAN), Oyo State Chapter, has applauded the judgment of the High Court of Justice, Iyaganku, Ibadan, affirming the constitutional right of female Muslim students to wear the Islamic hijab in Government-owned public schools across Oyo State.
In a press statement issued on Tuesday and signed by the Oyo State Amirah of FOMWAN, Dr. Lateefat Olasumbo Dairo, the Association described the judgment as a landmark victory for constitutional democracy, the rule of law, religious freedom and the protection of the fundamental rights guaranteed under the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Oyo FOMWAN noted that the judgment reaffirmed that no female Muslim student should be denied access to education or subjected to discrimination because of her religious obligation to wear the hijab, stressing that the court had once again upheld the constitutional guarantees of freedom of thought, conscience and religion, freedom from discrimination and the right to education.
The Association particularly commended the court’s directive ordering the Oyo State Government to issue an official circular to all Government-owned public schools permitting eligible female Muslim students to wear the hijab as part of their approved school uniform.
According to FOMWAN, the directive provides the necessary clarity for school administrators and reinforces fairness, inclusiveness and respect for constitutional rights.
Oyo FOMWAN congratulated the Muslim parents, students and other stakeholders who pursued the matter through lawful means, describing their perseverance and confidence in the judiciary as exemplary.
It also appreciated the legal team for its diligence and professionalism in defending the constitutional rights of Muslim schoolgirls.
The association further praised Hon. Justice Y. S. Adekunle for what it described as a well-considered judgment that has strengthened public confidence in the judiciary as the guardian of justice and the Constitution.
“It is important that this judgment is not viewed as the victory of one religion over another but as a reaffirmation of the constitutional rights of every Nigerian to practise his or her religion without discrimination,” the statement said.
