Ota, Ogun State — August 14, 2025 | Bishop David Oyedepo, founder of the Living Faith Church Worldwide, has strongly opposed the imposition of hijab use in mission-owned schools, warning that it undermines the vision and values upon which such institutions were established.
Speaking at the Faith Tabernacle in Ota, Ogun State, the cleric stressed that forcing faith-based schools to adopt dress codes contrary to their beliefs could weaken their moral and operational standards. He urged government authorities to respect the autonomy and original mission of private religious institutions.
While acknowledging the importance of religious tolerance in Nigeria’s diverse society, Oyedepo maintained that mission schools should have the right to set their own policies, especially on matters as sensitive as dress codes.
His remarks add fresh weight to a long-running national debate over the wearing of religious attire in schools — an issue that has triggered court cases, policy disputes, and street protests. Supporters of hijab in schools cite constitutional rights to freedom of religion, while critics argue for the preservation of institutional independence.
Oyedepo called for constructive dialogue between government and religious stakeholders to avoid conflicts that could disrupt both the education system and social harmony.