The Kwara State government has directed the immediate closure of some grant-aided schools in Ilorin, the state capital, pending resolution of the Hijab question in the schools.
The affected schools are 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.
Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education and Human Capital Development, Mrs Mary Adeosun announced the closure of the schools in a statement.
“The closure order came just as a government committee comprising representatives of the Muslim and Christian communities met in Ilorin to iron out the differences between the two communities.
“Further communication will be issued to inform members of the public on the development.
“Government calls for calm and urges parents and religious leaders to avoid actions or comments that may further split the two communities”, the statement added.
There has been a brewing crisis in the state on the wearing of Hijab (long covering scarf popular with female students of Muslim faith), in some schools in the state.
