NYSC Insists On Ban On Hijab

The Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, Brigadier-General, Johnson Olawumi, said on Tuesday that the ban on hijab-wearing in its orientation camps would remain in place as it was meant “for security reasons.”

Olawumi said this while addressing a group of Muslim youths under the aegis of Muslim Youths in Da’wah who had come to the national headquarters of the NYSC in Abuja to protest against the prohibition of Muslim women from wearing long hijab in orientation camps.

The National Coordinator of the group , Luqman Hassan; and the Deputy Coordinator, Kamarudeen Adefila, had explained their mission to the NYSC Director-General.

“We are here to discuss with you about the incident that happened recently in various camps across the country. We have a guiding principle which is based on the Holy Qur'an. We are all Nigerians and the principle which guides us is the constitution and the African Charter on Human rights.

“Members of the NYSC are Nigerians who have contributed to the development of this country; female corps members deserve protection by the NYSC. We don’t believe that a female corps member putting on hijab has done any wrong against the Act establishing the NYSC. So they deserve the respect of the NYSC. We have travelled far and wide and visited different camps. Why are the rights of female corps members being infringed upon. We are here to register our displeasure.

”Many Muslim organisations wanted to protest, but we said wait a while. In fact, we had to intervene to avoid the situation and if Muslims march on the streets, it will attract a lot of negative comments, but people won’t know why we are protesting.”

Responding, Olawumi expressed concern about the hijab being used by female suicide bombers to conceal their explosive devices.

“Under my leadership, the NYSC will accord respect to every corps member, irrespective of tribe and religion. The incident in Benue State was caused by the use of long hijab. The security situation in the country is tough. There is the danger of somebody using hijab for other reasons.

“There have been cases where young girls put on hijab and eventually turn to suicide bombers. Boko Haram members know how to get at whoever they want as target. That is why we frown at the wearing of long hijab. Please call on all your Muslim youths to be patient and adhere to it, just for a short period during the camp. We frown at long hijab because of the security implication,” he said.