The Kwara State Government has finally taken a position on the Hijab controversy in some grant-aided missionary schools in the state and approved the use of the head covering for Muslim school girls.
The government has also ordered the reopening of the 10 schools with effect from Monday March 8th while directing the Ministry of Education and Human Capital Development to come up with a uniform hijab for all public/ grant-aided schools.
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The decision by the government followed consultations and reviews of submissions by various interest groups after last week’s closure of the 10 schools over the Hijab controversy.
Some missionary schools had shut out female Muslim students who adorned the Islamic head covering last week thereby creating tension leading to the shutdown of the 10 schools last Friday.
However, the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Mamma Sabah Jibril in a statement made available last night disclosed the positions of the state which he said were hinged on the subsisting court judgements and the state’s education law.
The statement read: “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 by His Excellency Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq.
“The state government has considered 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 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. The government commends all the thought and religious leaders on both sides for their forbearance, understanding and commitment to peace.”
