Education minister Adamu Adamu has insisted that female Muslim students should be allowed to wear hijab in schools amid the ongoing crisis over the religious garb.
“This, by implication, means that all citizens are allowed to practice their religion according to the dictates of their faith, as long as no harm or inconvenience is caused to other people,” asserted the education minister.
He added, “The wearing of hijab by Muslim women is in line with the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), as recommended in Qur’an 33:59.”
Mr Adamu, who spoke on Sunday in Abuja, also called for dialogue on religious differences rather than resorting to violence.
“I wish to take this opportunity to remind our fellow citizens that there is a lot we can gain by dialoguing on matters of religious differences, rather than resorting to violence,” he further stated.
While delivering his keynote address at the 2022 World Hijab Day public lecture, the minister said citizens should be allowed to practice their religion.
Mr Adamu, represented by the deputy director, Social Mobilization, Universal Basic Education Commission, Sidikat Shomope, added that Nigeria’s constitution guaranteed freedom of religion for all citizens.
“Our children will remain citizens of Nigeria, irrespective of their faith. They will live and interact in the world outside their schools, where no boundary exists between the religions,” stated Mr Adamu.
The minister further appealed to traditional, religious, and community leaders to use their position to douse tension and ensure peace, harmony, and tolerance.
During the programme, a member of the House of Representatives, Aishatu Dukku, assured that the National Assembly would ensure the passage of the Religious Discrimination Prohibition Prevention Bill, 2021.
On Wednesday, the Oyo State High Court presided by Justice Ladiran Akintola fixed March 1 for a hearing to enforce a fundamental human right suit.
The suit was instituted by 11 female Muslim students of the University of Ibadan International School Ibadan (ISI) over hijab use.
(NAN)