The Lagos State Government says it has launched an investigation into the alleged violation of the Supreme Court judgment allowing the use of hijab in Lagos schools by a school principal, Christiana Sofuye.
Mrs Sofuye, who is the principal of Eletu Odibo Junior High School, Abule-Oja Yaba, Lagos, had allegedly removed the hijab from the head of a JSS 2 student, Mujeebah AbdulQadri l, on the assembly grounds.
The action triggered condemnation from human rights groups, including the Muslim Rights Concern, MURIC.
Reacting through a circular signed by the Tutor General/ Permanent Secretary Education District IV, Olusegun Olawale, the state government said the principal violates the Supreme Court judgment of June 17, 2022, and the Head of Service circular of December 5, 2022.
According to the circular sent to all principals, Mr Olawale said Mrs Sofuye and other teachers involved, had been recalled for investigation.
The circular, with reference number 2022/087, read: “Consequent upon the Supreme Court judgment on the use of hijab in Lagos State Schools delivered on 17th June, 2022 and the Head of Service Circular No. 068, dated 5th December, 2022 which was made available to all principals through the Information Platform (D34 Notice/Information)
“Available information at our disposal alleged that the Principal of Eletu-Odibo Junior High School, Abule-Oja, Yaba decided to violate the judgement of the Apex Court and the H.O.S Circular, which is tantamount to misconduct and punishable under the Lagos State Public Service Rule (PSR).
“However, the Principal and other Officers involved have been recalled from the School with immediate effect, while investigation is on-going.
“For the avoidance of doubt, henceforth any principal or staff caught assaulting students on the issue of hijab or in one way or the other contravenes the hijab judgement will face dire consequence.
“It should be of note that the Lagos State Government strictly frowns at disobedience and will be viewed seriously”.
