The Kwara State Government has directed the immediate temporary closure of ten grant-aided schools in Ilorin, the state capital, pending resolution of issues surrounding the use of hijab, in schools within the state.
The affected schools are C&S College Sabo Oke, ST. Anthony College, Offa Road, ECWA School, Oja Iya, Surulere Baptist Secondary School, Bishop Smith Secondary School, Agba Dam, CAC Secondary School Asa Dam, St. Barnabas Secondary School Sabo Oke, St. John School Maraba, St Williams Secondary School Taiwo Isale, and St. James Secondary School Maraba.
The closure comes as a government committee comprising representatives of the Muslim and Christian communities met to iron out the differences between the two communities.
This directive is contained in a statement issued by the Permanent Secretary in the state Ministry of Education and Human Capital Development, Mrs Mary Kemi Adeosun.
According to the statement, further communication would be issued to inform members of the public on the development.
The state government has however called for calm and urged parents and religious leaders to avoid actions or comments that may further split the two communities.
Lateefah Ibrahim
