Schools, particularly primary and secondary schools, are part of the most important public institutions necessary for the development of citizens. In public, secular schools however (and it must not be forgotten that Nigeria is constitutionally a secular state), religious dressing should normally constitute a malpractice insofar as enrolment in such schools, in the first place, remains optional. If parents can choose whether to send their children to public secular schools or dedicated religious institutions, schools reserve the right to determine their own sartorial policies. Having now moved to more practical concerns, it appears that the continued use of hijab in public schools and spaces would only lead to a heightening of fear and trembling in the citizenry. This will be in public interest that the Lagos State government seeks to protect.

Source: The Guardian August 17, 2018 03:56 UTC