The management of the University of Ibadan International School has reportedly shut down the school, following a hijab controversy.
According to the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, the school suspended its morning assembly on Monday, November 12, 2018, following the appearance of some pupils in hijab. The school also locked all the classes after suspending the assembly.
It was also reported that a group, the International School Muslim Parents’ Forum (ISMPF), in a letter signed by Abdurrahman Balogun (chairman) and Bilikis Badiru (secretary) had earlier petitioned the school management insisting that female students were entitled to the use of hijab.
‘Notice of of the resolution on the rights of our female children to commence the use of Hijab from this academic session of 2018/2019’, was addressed to the Principal, Mrs Phebean Olowe, and the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academics), Prof, Abideen Aderinto.
“Hijab wearing for young Muslim girls, apart from the fact that it is part of their religious belief, is part of their God-given fundamental human rights as well as the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” ISMPF said in the letter.
However, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, (Academic), University of Ibadan, Professor Abideen Yinka Aderinto has reportedly reacted to the crisis saying “the jungle approach being used by the parents will not be tolerated”.
The DVC according to Daily Post said that he was shocked and disappointed that the parents could be frustrating efforts of the management at restoring the glory of the school.
“I am the Chairman of the court of Governors and I am a proud Muslim. ISI is a private school. UI does not fund it. It is funded by the fees collected. It is unfortunate that this is coming up now. Even the Parents Teacher Association is not aware of the idea by this group.
“Indeed, some other Muslim parents expressed shock when they heard about this forum. Since its establishment in 1963, the school has not experienced any religious crisis and we would want to guard against it. The Muslim and Christian students have a place to worship in the school.
“Whoever is desired to change the rules should go through the process. The teachers do not feel safe and so could not have taught anybody because it is a strange development”.
The University of Ibadan International School was established in 1963 by the premier university in Nigeria.
