Islamic dress code imposed
Government leaders in the Nigerian state of Kano have announced their intention to enforce an Islamic dress code on private schools including Christian and non-Muslim schools. The dress code is currently compulsory in government schools.
The governor, Ibrahim Shekarau, made the statement on 3 May that ‘all private schools in the state are hereby directed to ensure their … pupils observe the dress code in accordance with the tradition and beliefs of our people’. The decision had been made, he said, in order to strengthen the morality of students.
Many private schools in Kano have a mix of both Muslim and Christian pupils, while some are Christian-run schools. The extension of the dress code will mean that Christian students will now be forced to wear Islamic dress – a loose tunic over trousers or long skirts with a headscarf for girls, and a loose tunic and trousers with a cap for boys.
