The controversy trailing the judgement of the Osun State High Court permitting Muslim female students to wear hijab to school, took a dramatic dimension on Tuesday, as some Christian students stormed their schools dressed in white church garments and choir robes in protest against the court’s decision.
Justice Jide Falola of the Osun State High Court had on June 3 delivered a judgement allowing female Muslim students in all public schools in the state to wear hijab, saying it was part of their fundamental rights.
But CAN in its reaction to the court’s verdict had threatened to direct Christian students in the state to wear choir robes and other Christian religious apparels to school, should the judgment be implemented.
The appearance of some students of the Baptist High School, Iwo in different church garments and choir robes, however caused confusion in the school, as their colleagues dressed in their uniform hailed them, making a loud noise.
While the students in white church garments and choir robes entered their classes without being prevented by their teachers, their female Muslim colleagues wearing the hijab equally gained access to the school premises, without any restriction.
When The Point correspondent visited the school at about 8:30am, a male student wearing a white robe and his colleagues dressed in white and purple choir robes were seen at the gates.
As these students were gaining entry into the school premises, unhindered by the security man at the gate, their colleagues dressed in white robes of the Celestial Church of Christ, popularly called “Sutana”, also joined them, drawing a loud applause from other school mates.
Many female Muslim students dressed in the school uniform, also wore the hijab.
Members of the Christian Association of Nigeria were also observed in the school, monitoring the reaction of the teachers to the students’ strange mode of dressing.
No student was however chased out of the classes for not appearing in the approved school uniforms, as the teachers were observed delivering their lessons.
The students, on their part, were observed sitting together and taking their lessons, not minding the ongoing drama.
Also, at the Salvation Army Middle School, Alekuwodo, female Muslim students wearing the hijab were observed having unhindered access to their classes as at 7:40am,
Some officials of CAN were also around the school gate to ensure that no student dressed in the Christian church robes was turned back.
The Principal of Baptist High School, Iwo, Mr. Omotayo Arowolo told The Point correspondent that there had been no crisis in the school inspite of the development.
Arowolo said that the teachers had been going about their normal duty, while the school had remained peaceful.
Also speaking, the head of Catholic bloc of CAN in Iwo, Paul Olagoke said the officials of the Christian body were in the school to ensure that no student was sent away.
“We are here to defend the rights of our children. Since female Muslim students are free to wear hijab, our children are free to wear anything they want to,” Olagoke said.
