Dr. AbdulHakeem AbdulLateef, the immediate past chairman of the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC), has called on the federal government to caution the Vice Chancellor of the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), Prof. Olusola Babatunde, and his management team regarding the use of Niqab in the institution.
AbdulLateef urged the school management to cease harassing Muslim students who choose to wear the Niqab, a traditional Muslim women’s veil.
In a 5-minute video statement, the Islamic scholar reacted to the ban on Niqab (Muslim women’s veil) in the government-owned tertiary institution located in Abeokuta, Ogun State.
Citing a previous incident where a student was denied access to the school for wearing a Niqab, despite a Supreme Court judgment affirming religious freedom, he criticized the university’s alleged intolerance and lack of proper understanding.
He emphasized the importance of peaceful coexistence and harmonious relationships among all Nigerians, stressing the need for tolerance. He called on the Vice Chancellor of FUNAAB to address the high level of intolerance towards students who wear Niqab in the school.
AbdulLateef highlighted the Supreme Court’s judgment on June 17, 2022, which upheld the freedom of Muslim students to adhere to the tenets of their religion, Islam, and their right to express themselves as prescribed by Allah. He expressed disappointment in the institution’s alleged ignorance and intolerance toward Muslim students, emphasizing that Section 38 of the constitution clearly guarantees freedom of religion, thoughts, conscience, and the right to practice one’s religion.
He stressed that Nigeria is a multi-religious state, and educational institutions, including tertiary, primary, and secondary schools, should respect the diversity of beliefs among students.
AbdulLateef urged the university to implement appropriate measures, such as having female security personnel, to ensure proper identification of individuals when necessary. He called on anyone associated with FUNAAB to intervene and ensure that the management refrains from victimizing students based on their religious practices.
He expressed hope for blessings, harmonious relationships, and peaceful coexistence in the country while urging university authorities to allow Muslim students to freely practice their religion and protect their fundamental human rights.
