Reading time:4 min read

Hijab Struggles

Just like many other stories across the country; the sad reality of the victimization of Muslim girls in hijab at the University of Ibadan affiliated secondary school –International School, Ibadan (ISI) has finally found light at the end of its tunnel.

The case which has just been concluded at the High Court in Ibadan was said to have surged in an incident that included about twelve school girls who were punished for wearing a hijab on top of their school uniforms within the school premises; an action which was said to be an abomination.

Not only have Muslim girls been faced by deprivation at schools but the oppression goes on even to the viability of job opportunities and other opportunities in life. Starting from being prevented from entering their hall for the UTME to being sent out of lecture theatres, being sent out of the classrooms, and being embarrassed in the spotlight of the matriculation ceremony, hijabi students have faced several dehumanizing experiences in a bit to exercise their religious rights which have been clearly stated in the Section 38 subsection 1–4 of the 1999 constitution of the Nigerian law.

In recent times, numerous actions have been taken by Muslims across Nigeria, especially in the southwestern region against discrimination and oppression against the hijab-wearing citizens who have as many rights as a person who chooses to appear in other forms of attires. Organizations like (MURIC) and other prominent individuals have taken action in a move to alleviate the illegal rules imposed against Muslim females which are uncalled for and are only based on personal bias and religious sentiment. Several lawsuits on the hijab cases have been filed, fought, and won. A lot of situations especially in schools have now made it conducive and mentally accommodating for Muslim girls to exist and coexist in the concerned situations. And even if there is any hiccup, it is assumed that the victim has legal backing.

Nigeria is a secular state with diverse cultures and religions, but it is reasonable that peace would exist only when everyone is catered to. Therefore, as long as one’s religious identity does not hinder the safety and orderliness of the country and fellow citizens, it is only fair to not allow one’s sentiment to blur out one’s vision of humanity. After all, in a logical sense, it is not enough to judge the intelligence of a person by what they appear as. Not even in the case of hijab which is purely a religious obligation.

It feels hypocritical that the set of people who have been continuously criticized for being oppressed, poor, and uneducated are now being victimized for trying to show up and stand out. Aren’t criticisms meant to surge reconstructed and corrected actions? It is high time that people freed themselves from the rampage of misconception, misrepresentation, and misinformation which affects their biases and relationship with others. That in itself is a sign of intelligence. The case of the International School Ibadan is a plus and an attestation to the claim of liberalism and modernization which a lot of officials and netizens claim to be party to in recent times. And we hope and look forward to more positive decisions and actions such as the High Court for the hijab to emphasize the impact of Justice against sentiment and to ensure peace and respect for all.