Muslim students in Lagos state free to wear headscarves: Nigerian official

By Olanrewaju Kola

ABUJA, Nigeria (AA) - Female Muslim students in Nigeria's commercial hub of Lagos can now wear headscarves, according to authorities.

Hakeem Muri-Okunola, the head of Publix Servants in the state of Lagos, announced in a statement Wednesday the use of headscarves by girls in schools “with immediate effect."

He did not explain if the approval would take effect in private schools but he said the government will soon issue guidelines.

The statement was given to the speaker of the state legislature, chief judge in the state and senior government officials.

The announcement followed a June 17 Supreme Court ruling that gave female students the right to wear headscarves in schools.

The apex court ruled it was the fundamental right of students, ending years of a legal battle instituted by a Muslim rights group to enforce the right of female students.

Similar controversies also occurred in nearby Osun state.