Two 12-year old girls under the aegis of the Muslim Students of Nigeria, Lagos State Area Unit filed a suit on 27th May, 2013 seeking redress and asking the court to declare the ban as violation of their rights to freedom of thought, religion and education.
Justice Modupe Onyeabor dismissed the suit instituted by helding that the prohibition of the wearing of Hijab over school uniforms within and outside the premises of public schools was not descriminatory, does not violate sections 38 and 42 of the 1999 Constitution as calimed by the plaintiffs.
Meanwhile, the judge reminded them that Section 10 of the Constitution made Nigeria a secular state and that government must maintain neutrality at all times.
She noted that since the public schools were being funded by the government, it was therefore competent to issue dress codes and other guidelines to the students.
Justice Modupe Onyeabor dismissed the suit instituted by helding that the prohibition of the wearing of Hijab over school uniforms within and outside the premises of public schools was not descriminatory, does not violate sections 38 and 42 of the 1999 Constitution as calimed by the plaintiffs.
Meanwhile, the judge reminded them that Section 10 of the Constitution made Nigeria a secular state and that government must maintain neutrality at all times.
She noted that since the public schools were being funded by the government, it was therefore competent to issue dress codes and other guidelines to the students.
