4 Reasons Why Fashola Must 'Bring Back Our Hijab' — Student

Reactions have continued to trail the ban of Hijab used by students of public schools in Lagos state, a decision upheld on Friday by Justice Modupe Onyeabo, of an Ikeja High Court.

In the latest reaction, a law student of the Usmanu Danfodiyo University Sokoto (UDUS), Abdulbaqi Aliyu Jari Katsina, has condemned the ban and called for an immediate rethink.

Katsina said he is not "not convinced by the supposed reasons giving for banning of Hijab".

"If Islamic groups that advocate for Islamic states through arms struggle are leveled extremist then surely what Fashola did must be termed intolerance if not blasphemy taking it from religious angle," Katsina said.

"Wearing Hijab by females is mandatory as instructed by Allah in the Glorious Qur'an."

The student said the ban must be lifted in recognition of the "right to religion and personal life."

He gave four reasons to support his position:

"Firstly, it institute morality and values to the female students as they will be mothers in the future to raise family and societies.

"Secondly, studies needs focus, mixing of male and female students increase and arouse sexual desires to the students. Uncovered students may tempt their male counterparts and teachers into desires of sexual intercourse with them.

"Thirdly, the issue of rape is on the increase both at schools and at large. Indecent dressing, nude exposure and even ordinary exposure of body parts of females has been identified as the number one factor causing rape in schools and in the societies.

"Among other reasons, covering of the body by students is a religious duty, sacred and cannot be played with in respect to freedom of religion as enshrined in the Nigerian constitution as amended."

Justice Onyeabo had in her Friday judgement upheld the Lagos State Government (LASG) ban on the wearing of hijab and dismissed the suit instituted by two 12-year-old female members of the Muslim Students of Nigeria (MSN), Lagos State Area Unit.

She had argued that Nigeria operates a "non-faith based educational system" and the prohibition of wearing of Hijab is not discriminatory and does not violate sections 38 and 42 of the 1999 constitution.

In an interesting twist, the students lawyer told newsmen that his clients "are simply not satisfied with the court decision" and "will definitely appeal."