MSSN Warns Sanwo-Olu Against Reigniting Hijab Crisis in Lagos Schools

MSSN Warns Sanwo-Olu Against Reigniting Hijab Crisis in Lagos Schools

The Muslim Students’ Society of Nigeria (MSSN), Lagos State Area Unit, has warned the Lagos State Government against actions it described as attempts to reignite the long-settled hijab controversy in Lagos public secondary schools, insisting that the Supreme Court judgment on hijab remains final and binding.

In a statement issued on Monday, January 19, 2026, the Amir (President) of MSSN Lagos, Kamoldeen Abiona, expressed concern over what the group called renewed harassment and intimidation of hijab-wearing Muslim female students by some school authorities across the state.

Abiona urged Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to immediately intervene by calling officials of the Lagos State Ministry of Education, including tutors-general and school principals, to order and ensure strict compliance with the law.

The MSSN reaction followed reports of a meeting held on January 15, 2026, at the Adeyemo Bero Auditorium, Ikeja, involving school principals, ministry officials and the Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Jamiu Tolani Alli-Balogun, where it was allegedly stated that the hijab must not cover school badges.

Describing the directive as provocative, Abiona said it amounted to a subtle attempt to overturn a settled legal matter.

“The Supreme Court of Nigeria conclusively affirmed the right of Muslim female students to wear the hijab on June 17, 2022. There is no provision in that judgment empowering the state or any official to redesign or dilute the hijab,” he said.

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According to him, insisting that the hijab must not cover school badges effectively forces students to wear “mini-hijabs or neck scarves” that do not meet Islamic requirements. He noted that school badges can be pinned on the hijab if visibility is the concern, stressing that administrative convenience must not override constitutional and religious rights.

The MSSN Lagos leader also criticised the reported formation of a committee to examine the length of the hijab, describing it as unnecessary and a direct challenge to the authority of the apex court.

“There is nothing left to examine after the Supreme Court has delivered its final verdict. Any such committee is a waste of public funds and an insult to the Nigerian judiciary,” Abiona said.

He warned that attempts to create what he described as a “government-approved version of Islam” would be firmly resisted by the organisation through lawful means.

Expressing disappointment with the Sanwo-Olu administration, Abiona said it was troubling that the government, nearing the end of its tenure, appeared willing to reopen an issue that previously generated years of litigation and social tension in the state.

He called on the government to withdraw any directive concerning the exposure of school badges on hijabs and to immediately disband any committee reviewing the Supreme Court hijab judgment.

The MSSN also urged school principals and teachers to disregard any instruction that contradicts the court ruling, warning that compliance with such directives could amount to contempt of court.

While reaffirming the group’s commitment to peace, Abiona stressed that MSSN Lagos would not hesitate to deploy “every legal and constitutional means” to protect the rights of the Muslim girl-child in Lagos schools.

“Any attempt to harass our students based on illegal guidelines will be met with stiff but lawful resistance,” he said.

MSSN Warns Sanwo-Olu Against Reigniting Hijab Crisis in Lagos Schools