The Minister of Education, Adamu Adamu, has said the Nigerian Constitution permits Muslim women to wear hijab.
This is as he called for dialogue on matters of religion instead of resorting to violence.
Adamu said this while speaking at a public lecture organised by the Coalition of Nigerian Muslim Women, held at the National Mosque in Abuja.
The Minister was represented at the event by Hajiya Sidikat Shomope of the Social Mobilisation Department, Universal Basic Education Commission.
He was quoted as saying, “This, by implication, means that all citizens are allowed to practice their religion according to the dictates of their faith, as long as no harm or inconvenience is caused to other people.
“The wearing of hijab by Muslim women is in line with the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), as recommended in Qur’an 33:59.
“However, there has been much controversy on this matter in our country, which has unfortunately gone down to the school level and generated needless violent clashes.
“I wish to take this opportunity to remind our fellow citizens that there is a lot we can gain by dialoguing on matters of religious differences, rather than resorting to violence.
“Our children will remain citizens of Nigeria, irrespective of their faith. They will live and interact in the world outside their schools, where no boundary exists between the religions.”
His words followed the controversy over the use of hijab at Baptist High School, Ijagbo, in Oyun Local Government of Kwara State.
On his own part, guest speaker at the event held to mark World Hijab Day, Prof Ishaq Akintola, stated that hijab reminds a woman of her responsibility.
“Hijab is a key to morality. A hijab-wearing woman is 24 hours conscious of her responsibility. That a woman puts on her hijab is a sign of a responsible woman ready to build the nation,” Akintola said.
“When you discriminate against a single woman, you are discriminating against the entire nation.”
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