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| School
authorities said the hijab causes chaos |
By
Al-Khidr Abdul Baqi, IOL Nigeria correspondent
ONDO,
July 9 (IslamOnline) – Hundreds of college and higher institution
students in the Nigerian city of Ondo, southwest of Nigeria,
demonstrated Monday, July 8, against the decision taken by the Education
College in the city to dismiss three female students for wearing the
hijab and two male students for wearing the Palestinian headdress - the
kufiyya.
The
students gathered Monday in a demonstration which went around the
college campus raising banners against the decision and calling for
freedom of dress and the return of the five students: Saadiya Bokola,
Amina Ababomi, Fadila Alomi, Seraggedin Badmasy and Murtada Falkol.
The
security forces intervened when there was a war of words between the
demonstrators and the employees working in the college’s director’s
office. The forces circled the campus and gave the students a two day
holiday until peace and security is restored.
Despite
the fact that several Human Rights and Islamic Organizations issuing
statements condemning the decision, Muslim establishments in the city
have had a meek response.
The
decision was issued by the college authorities Friday, July 5, and the
reason given was the threat to the security of the college and tensions
caused by the hijab and that the kufiyya worn by the men is worn by
“terrorists”.
This,
according to the statement, encourages terrorism and cheating during
exams.
The
statement also said that the decision was taken upon the recommendation
of the disciplinary committee and that this issue has nothing to do with
religion.
The
Student Union warned the college authorities form the consequences of
this step and asked them to return the dismissed students.
