MUSLIM PARENTS PROTEST CLOSURE OF SCHOOL OVER WEARING OF HIJAB
The parents, under the banner of “Concerned Parents of Students of the International School, University of Ibadan” gathered at the university administrative block as early as 7.30 a.m. on Wednesday, displaying placards.
Penpushing further reports that, the aggrieved parents visited the Deputy Vice Chancellor(DVC) office to submit their protest letter, calling on the management of the school to be reopened, and also demanded adequate security in the school especially as students were about to start internal and external examinations.
The protesting parents, in the letter signed by the trio of Olalekan Thanni,Babaawo Abe and Olusola Aleshinloye added that the current dress code in the school was devoid of religious coloration, stressing that the dress code was good and sufficient enough to fulfil their moral obligations to their wards.
“We wish to state that the current dress code/uniform of the students of ISI, which has been in use since inception (about 55 years ago), has no religious coloration, is good enough and sufficient to fulfil our moral obligations to the children’ the letter reads.
“It should not be a subject of discussion out of the jurisdiction of the constituted Board of Governors as done by this Muslim Parents Forum. The unfortunate events of the past one week have serious implications on learning, psyche and social environment in the school’,the protesters stated.
The letter added, “For instance, it is obvious that the divisive action like the religious colouration of the school uniform may promote discrimination and foster disunity. While these Muslim parents appear comfortable with confrontation, strife and violence, we wish they could be helped to realise that this stance is injurious to the psyche of children.
“We all owe our children the responsibility of raising them up as law abiding citizens, who have utmost respect for constituted authority and do all to uphold same and not otherwise, under whatever guise”.
Penpushing further reports that, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor(DVC) while receiving the protesting parents, promised to ensure that the matter is resolved peacefully, but appealed to all sides in the crisis to exercise restraint and avoid words or actions that may further worsen the crisis.
