Muslim teachers seeking promotion with the Lagos State Government have lamented that they were threatened when they faced the interview panel.
It was gathered that the incident happened on Thursday at District VI, Panel B. The promotional interview is being conducted by four panels in the district.
Our correspondent gathered that some Muslim candidates were told that they won’t be promoted because of their hijab.
It was learnt that one of the panellists, who is said to be a male, specifically told the Muslim candidates that they will be scored zero in dressing.
The panellist was identified as being the youngest among those on the panel, slim, dark, wore butter coloured shirt and of an average height.
This has, however, created panic ahead of the interview scheduled to resume on Monday.
While some of the applicants are panicky, there are rumours that Muslims in the community may storm the venue to protest against marginalisation of the Muslim applicants and what could degenerate to a religious crisis.
“When the candidates got there, they were shown another person and told to dress like her. The man (one of the panellists) said those wearing hijab will be scored zero marks in dressing,” www.iwitness.com.ng was told.
When contacted, one of the applicants said: “I cannot say it is a lie, but you know it is wrong for me to talk about such as a civil servant. I believe the will of All will be done.”
It will be recalled that the 1999 constitution of Nigeria guarantees the freedom of religion and association, thus discriminating against anyone on the basis of religion is unconstitutional and against labour law.
iWitness NG reports that this was not the experience in the past as the female Muslim teachers have dressed in similar hijab to previous interviews without compliant.
This is a developing story, details later…
