Following the controversy over the Hijab (Islamic veil) worn by Muslim females in some secondary schools especially in the south, the Federation of Muslim Women's Associations in Nigeria (FOMWAN) has appealed to school authorities to allow them wear it in accordance with their religious demands in the spirit of peaceful co-existence and their fundamental rights.

The association said in a communiqué presented at the end of its national executive committee (NEC) meeting at the weekend that the issue of Hijab is a national one and FOMWAN demands that in the spirit of the protection of human rights and peaceful co-existence, Muslim women and girls should be allowed to practice their religion without intimidation. The association urged the federal government to abide by the provisions of Section 38 of the 1999 constitution.

It also expressed concern on the rampant rape cases and urged victims to speak out, adding, that offenders in rape cases should be seriously dealt with. It further warned against linking religion to the insecurity problem facing the country.