Academic activities on hold over hijab uproar at UI International school
The distribution of hijab to students at the International School Ibadan by a Muslim group has caused uproar in the 55-year old institute affiliated with University of Ibadan. The controversy which stemmed from a resolution by some parents under the auspices of the International School Muslim Parents’ Forum was in contravention of the school dress code.
The group had initially sent a letter dated November 9, 2018 to the Principal of the school, Mrs Phebean Olowe, and the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Academics, UI, Prof. Abideen Aderinto, declaring their intent to notify the school management of the right of their female children to start wearing hijab to school from the present 2018/2019 academic session.
Although the forum never received any immediate reply from the school authorities, members of the UI community were shocked to see hijab-wearing students within the school premises around 7am. The deputy Vice-Chancellor who revealed he has been in consultation with other stakeholders to deliberate on the issue expressed disappointment at the parents for trying to put the school in disrepute.
“I am the Chairman of the Court of Governors and I am a proud Muslim,” the deputy VC said. “The ISI is a private school. The UI does not fund it. It is funded by the fees collected. It is unfortunate that this is coming up now. Even the Parent Teachers’ Association is not aware of the idea of this group.”
In order to subvert any further misunderstanding, classes were reportedly canceled while students in SS3 were taken to another location to avoid disrupting preparations for their forthcoming examinations.
The spokesperson for the group, Balogun said he was surprised that the management shut the school over the issue, maintaining that they will continue to make their position known until their daughters are allowed to wear hijab.
“I appeal to these people to stop their action and allow peace to reign in the school. It is even strange that this matter was not discussed at the meeting of the Parent Teachers’ Association headed by another Muslim and lawyer, Mr Kazeem Olaniyan,” the Deputy VC pleaded.
