Kwara Approves Wearing Of Hijab In Grant-Aided Mission Schools

*Fixes March 8 for reopening of shut schools

Kwara State Government has finally approved the wearing of hijab
(veil) by pupils of government grant-aided mission secondary
schools in the state.

Wearing of hijab in mission schools has in the last one week
generated a lot of furore between Muslim stakeholders and
authorities of some grant-aided schools in the state.

Accordingly, the state government took preemptive measure by
shutting down 10 of such schools to forestall break down of law and
order.

The schools are Cherubim and Seraphim College, St. Anthony
College, ECWA School, Surulere Baptist Secondary School, Bishop
Smith Secondary School, CAC Secondary School, St. Barnabas
Secondary School, St. John School, St. Williams Secondary School
and St. James Secondary School all in the Ilorin metropolis.

As a result of the latest development, the state government has
also directed the reopening of all the shut schools on March 8,
2021.

Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Prof Mamma S. Jubril,
said in a statement: “Sequel to recent developments in our state
over the status of the hijab in public/grant-aided schools, the
state government has consulted widely with thought leaders and
leaders of both Muslim and Christian communities with a view to
clarifying issues and reaching a consensus.

“The last of such meetings was held on Wednesday, February 24,
presided over by His Excellency Governor AbdulRahman
AbdulRazaq.

“At least 10 schools of interest were earlier shut down to
maintain peace and public order as well as prevent mischief makers
from taking undue advantage of the development.

“The state government has considered the submissions of all
major interest groups on the matter. It has also thoroughly
considered the education law of Kwara State, the prevailing court
judgments and current global trends of multiculturalism in evolving
a consultation-based decision that will bring lasting peace and
understanding to our communities.

“The government has also paid particular attention to the
‘declaratory’ nature of the subsisting judgments of the Court of
Appeal and their purports.

“Consequently, the government hereby acknowledges and approves
the right of the Muslim schoolgirl to wear the hijab, and directs
the Ministry of Education and Human Capital Development to come up
with a uniform hijab for all public/grant-aided schools, which will
be the accepted mode of head covering in schools.

“Any willing schoolgirl with the approved (uniform) hijab shall
have the right to wear same in public/grant-aided schools.

“Also, the government affirms the right of every child in public
schools to freedom of worship.

“The government hereby directs that the affected 10 schools
should reopen to commence classes on Monday 8th March 2021.

“Similarly, the government has carefully noted submissions
regarding ownership of grant-aided schools and related issues.

“While the status of these schools is the subject of judicial
determination, this and other related matters will soon be
subjected to a technical committee to advise accordingly.

“The government reassures all members of the public that it will
act in good conscience at all times.

“The government asserts that there is no victor or vanquished on
the hijab question. It urges the two faith communities, especially
the leaders, opinion moulders and media personalities, to act with
restraint and great responsibility in their public utterances and
actions, and continue to live in peace and harmony with one
another.

“The government commends all the thought and religious leaders
on both sides for their forbearance, understanding and commitment
to peace.”

*Fixes March 8 for reopening of shut schools

Kwara State Government has finally approved the wearing of hijab
(veil) by pupils of government grant-aided mission secondary
schools in the state.

Wearing of hijab in mission schools has in the last one week
generated a lot of furore between Muslim stakeholders and
authorities of some grant-aided schools in the state.

Accordingly, the state government took preemptive measure by
shutting down 10 of such schools to forestall break down of law and
order.

The schools are Cherubim and Seraphim College, St. Anthony
College, ECWA School, Surulere Baptist Secondary School, Bishop
Smith Secondary School, CAC Secondary School, St. Barnabas
Secondary School, St. John School, St. Williams Secondary School
and St. James Secondary School all in the Ilorin metropolis.

As a result of the latest development, the state government has
also directed the reopening of all the shut schools on March 8,
2021.

Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Prof Mamma S. Jubril,
said in a statement: “Sequel to recent developments in our state
over the status of the hijab in public/grant-aided schools, the
state government has consulted widely with thought leaders and
leaders of both Muslim and Christian communities with a view to
clarifying issues and reaching a consensus.

“The last of such meetings was held on Wednesday, February 24,
presided over by His Excellency Governor AbdulRahman
AbdulRazaq.

“At least 10 schools of interest were earlier shut down to
maintain peace and public order as well as prevent mischief makers
from taking undue advantage of the development.

“The state government has considered the submissions of all
major interest groups on the matter. It has also thoroughly
considered the education law of Kwara State, the prevailing court
judgments and current global trends of multiculturalism in evolving
a consultation-based decision that will bring lasting peace and
understanding to our communities.

“The government has also paid particular attention to the
‘declaratory’ nature of the subsisting judgments of the Court of
Appeal and their purports.

“Consequently, the government hereby acknowledges and approves
the right of the Muslim schoolgirl to wear the hijab, and directs
the Ministry of Education and Human Capital Development to come up
with a uniform hijab for all public/grant-aided schools, which will
be the accepted mode of head covering in schools.

“Any willing schoolgirl with the approved (uniform) hijab shall
have the right to wear same in public/grant-aided schools.

“Also, the government affirms the right of every child in public
schools to freedom of worship.

“The government hereby directs that the affected 10 schools
should reopen to commence classes on Monday 8th March 2021.

“Similarly, the government has carefully noted submissions
regarding ownership of grant-aided schools and related issues.

“While the status of these schools is the subject of judicial
determination, this and other related matters will soon be
subjected to a technical committee to advise accordingly.

“The government reassures all members of the public that it will
act in good conscience at all times.

“The government asserts that there is no victor or vanquished on
the hijab question. It urges the two faith communities, especially
the leaders, opinion moulders and media personalities, to act with
restraint and great responsibility in their public utterances and
actions, and continue to live in peace and harmony with one
another.

“The government commends all the thought and religious leaders
on both sides for their forbearance, understanding and commitment
to peace.”