Kwara Approves Use Of Hijab In Schools

Kwara State Government says that it has approved the use of Hijab by Muslim female students in its public schools.

The government last week Friday shut down 10 schools in Ilorin, the state capital following tension on the wearing of Hijab, a female headwear in the schools.

The government in a statement signed by Prof. Mamma Jibril, Secretary to the state government, late on Thursday, said the government has approved the reopening of the schools from Monday, March 8, 2021 while female Muslim students should be allowed to wear Hijab in all grant-aided public schools in the state.

The statement titled, “Position of Kwara State Government on the Hijaab Question in Public Schools”, partly 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.

“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. 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.