Olusakin Babalola, Ibadan
The controversy on whether the use of Hijab ,a mode of dressing should be officially endorsed reared its ugly head Monday morning at the International School ,University of Ibadan in Oyo State
A group of female students who dressed in Hijab were reportedly prevented from entering their classes and returned home with their parents in the School.
The mornimg devotion was disrupted by the parents who came to protest the action of the school authorities.
Alhaji Abdulrahman Balogun who is the Chairman of Muslim Parents Association said that he could not understand why the students who were in their Hijab were not allowed into their classes in view of the fact that the schools management has been intimated with the decision of the Muslim parents on the use of hijab by their children and wards.
Balogun disclosed that an earlier letter jointly signed by him and the Secretary of the association Mrs. Bilikis Badru on the subject was explicit enough adding that it was copied to the Pro Chancellor of the University,the Vice Chancellor and other top management staff of the Schools.
He added that the decision of the management of International School was a breach of the human rights of their girls and it would be resisted.
The Principal of the School Mrs.Phebe Olowe declined to answer the questions put to her by our reporter as She revealed the ban on her to speak to the press on any issue.
Mr.Toye Oladejo,the Director of media for the University denied knowledge of the incident claiming he has been busy with the convocation programme.
There was however no threat to peace as the University security officers were on ground.
Reacting to the development the Deputy Vice Chancellor Academic Professor Abideen Aderinto who doubles as the Chairman Court of Governors of the school stated that the jungle approach being used by the parents will not be tolerated.
Professor Aderinto who said the school is a private school and not run by any kobo from government stated that the school has rules governing dress codes which all parents agreed to.
Aderinto explained that while he received the letter on the 9 of November, he held a meeting with the forum on Saturday for more than two hours adding that he was shocked and disappointed that the parents could be frustrating efforts of the management at restoring the glory of the school.
“I am the Chairman of the court of Governors and I am a proud Muslim. ISI is a private school. UI does not fund it. It is funded by the fees collected. It is unfortunate that this is coming up now. Even the Parents Teacher Association is not aware of the idea by this group. Indeed some other Muslim parents expressed shock when they heard about this forum.
Since its establishment in 1963, the school has not expressed any religious crisis and we would want to guide against it. The Muslim and Christian students have a place to worship in the school. Whoever is desired to change the rules should go through the process.
The teachers do not feel safe and so could not have taught anybody because it is a strange development. 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 Parents Teachers Association at all headed by another Muslim and lawyer barrister Kazeem Olaniyan”
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