Parents protest against introduction of hijab at UI school
Some parents of the students of the International School (ISI) of the University of Ibadan yesterday protested against the approach of Muslim parents in introducing use of hijab, saying it would divide the students along religion lines.
The parents carried placards as they marched to the office of the Deputy Vice Chancellor, Academics, Prof. Abideen Aderinto, to deliver a letter conveying their opposition to the introduction of hijab.
Conveners of the protest , Barr. Olalekan Thani, Babaawo Awosanmi Abe and Olusola Aleshin, said the 55-year old school is one indivisible entity which no one or group should be allowed to divide for any reason. They described as dangerous, a situation where little children are made to begin to discriminate among themselves along religious, ethnic or other sentiments instead of emerging as global citizens.
In the letter entitled “Clamour for the Introduction of Religious Emblem of Our Children in the International School, University of Ibadan,” the parents urged the school’s Board which is headed by Prof. Aderinto to ensure that the rules and regulations guiding the school, and to which all parents signed to uphold, reign supreme.
They accused the Muslim parents of attempting to disrupt the school’s academic activities as well as the love and unity already existing among the children who do not see religious barriers among themselves.