Hijab Controversy: Abdulrazaq Directs Reopening Of 10 Shut Schools

The Kwara state government has directed the reopening of the 10
grant-aided mission secondary schools shut down over hijab (veil)
controversy. The reopening of the schools became effective
yesterday (Wednesday March 17) even as government’s peacebuilding
efforts continue.

Permanent Secretary Ministry of Education and Human Capital
Development Mrs. Mary K Adeosun said: “The government is convinced
that its policy to allow willing Muslim schoolgirls to wear their
hijaab in public schools will lead to sustainable peace and
communal harmony anchored on mutual respect and understanding.

“This path to mutual respect, understanding, and peace with
regards to hijaab had long been adopted in all of the northern
Nigeria and many states in the Southwest such as Lagos, Osun,
Ekiti, and Oyo States.

“As the students resume normal classes, the government took
special notice of the plight of those of them preparing for the
West African Senior School Certificate Examination and hereby
directs affected schools to hold at least two-hour extra lesson for
all the intending candidates after school hours daily.

“The government will provide light lunch for the students until
the beginning of their exams while teachers allotted for the extra
coaching will get stipends for their efforts.

“This is to bring the students up to speed ahead of the
impending external examination.

“The closure of the schools was necessary to forestall security
breaches which may affect lives and properties.

“The government sincerely commends the Christian and Muslim
leaders for their understandings and their efforts to build peace
within their respective communities in the past weeks.

“It urges everyone to join hands with the government to raise a
generation of schoolchildren who will respect one another’s
differences and together build a sustainable future for our
state.

“Finally, the government reminds all its employees such as
school principals and teachers in the affected schools to take
special note of the policy.

“There will be zero tolerance for violations of anyone’s
fundamental human rights under their watch.”

The Kwara state government has directed the reopening of the 10
grant-aided mission secondary schools shut down over hijab (veil)
controversy. The reopening of the schools became effective
yesterday (Wednesday March 17) even as government’s peacebuilding
efforts continue.

Permanent Secretary Ministry of Education and Human Capital
Development Mrs. Mary K Adeosun said: “The government is convinced
that its policy to allow willing Muslim schoolgirls to wear their
hijaab in public schools will lead to sustainable peace and
communal harmony anchored on mutual respect and understanding.

“This path to mutual respect, understanding, and peace with
regards to hijaab had long been adopted in all of the northern
Nigeria and many states in the Southwest such as Lagos, Osun,
Ekiti, and Oyo States.

“As the students resume normal classes, the government took
special notice of the plight of those of them preparing for the
West African Senior School Certificate Examination and hereby
directs affected schools to hold at least two-hour extra lesson for
all the intending candidates after school hours daily.

“The government will provide light lunch for the students until
the beginning of their exams while teachers allotted for the extra
coaching will get stipends for their efforts.

“This is to bring the students up to speed ahead of the
impending external examination.

“The closure of the schools was necessary to forestall security
breaches which may affect lives and properties.

“The government sincerely commends the Christian and Muslim
leaders for their understandings and their efforts to build peace
within their respective communities in the past weeks.

“It urges everyone to join hands with the government to raise a
generation of schoolchildren who will respect one another’s
differences and together build a sustainable future for our
state.

“Finally, the government reminds all its employees such as
school principals and teachers in the affected schools to take
special note of the policy.

“There will be zero tolerance for violations of anyone’s
fundamental human rights under their watch.”