After ISI, another hijab controversy erupts at LAUTECH International School
Ladoke Akintola University of Technology International School has been enmeshed in controversy after some students who showed up at the school with hijab on their uniform were locked out of the school premises or asked to remove it.
Similar to the controversy at International School, University of Ibadan, parents of Muslim students at LAUTECH International School have been campaigning for their female children to be allowed to wear hijab to school.
In each case, the schools have argued that the material is not part of the school uniform, and LIS is said to have made provisions for students who wish to cover their hair to use berets instead.
But the parents insisted that berets do not meet the requirements laid down by Islamic dictates concerning decent dressing for their daughters.
It was revealed that the parents have been on the issue since 2011 without reaching any resolutions with the school authorities.
A statement attributed to the parents forum reads in part: “Our patience, over time, as law abiding citizens, was premised on our belief that the management of the school will do the needful and give regard to the rule of law and provision of the Constitution guaranteeing fundamental human rights of everybody.”
The parents resolved that their willing female children will resume school in January with hijab and it was on this premise that about 50 students showed up at school with hijab.
The principal of the school, Ibrahim Animashaun who confirmed the incident implored all parties involved to remain peaceful while the school authorities work out modalities to address the issue.
He further clarified that until the school board approves the request to introduce hijab, that the status quo remains the same.
