… orders reopening of shut schools
BY UMMU ABUBAKAR, ILORIN
THE Kwara State Government has approved the wearing of hijab for Muslim students attending Christian public schools, who wish to do so.
The state government, which gave the approval after consulting widely with critical stakeholders in the state, including leaders of the Christian and Muslim communities, has therefore directed all public schools that were shut following the hijab wearing protests to reopen on Monday, March 8, 2021.
This was disclosed in a statement, on Friday, issued by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof Mamma Sabah Jibril.
The government also acknowledged and approved the right of the Muslim schoolgirl to wear the hijab and directed the Ministry of Education and Human Capital Development to come up with a uniform hijab for all public/grant-aided schools, which it said would be the accepted mode of head covering in schools.
THE POINT had reported that the Kwara State Government, on February 19, directed the immediate closure of some grant-aided schools in Ilorin, the state capital, pending the resolution of the hijab controversy in the schools.
Some of the schools had allegedly locked out some students in hijab before the closure order was given.
The affected schools were: C&S College, St. Anthony College, ECWA School, Surulere Baptist Secondary School, Bishop Smith Secondary School, CAC Secondary School, St. Barnabas Secondary School, St. John School, Maraba, St. Williams Secondary School and St. James Secondary School; all in Ilorin.
The SSG said, “Sequel to recent developments in our state over the status of the hijaab 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 submissions of all major interest groups on the matter.”
He said Government had 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 would bring lasting peace and understanding to Kwara communities.
According to the statement, the government has also paid particular attention to the ‘declaratory’ nature of the subsisting judgments of the Court of Appeal and their purports.
It noted, “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.”
The SSG said, similarly, the government had carefully noted submissions regarding ownership of grant-aided schools and related issues, adding that while the status of these schools was the subject of judicial determination, this and other related matters would soon be subjected to a technical committee to advise government accordingly.
“The government reassures all members of the public that it will act in good conscience at all times,” he said.
“The government asserts that there is no victor or vanquished on the hijaab 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,” he added.
The state government however commended all thought and religious leaders on both sides for their forbearance, understanding and commitment to peace.
