The Kwara State government has finally taken a stand on the use of Hijab, Muslim female head cover, in schools across the State.
No fewer than 10 grant aided Christian missionary schools were recently closed, over refusal of its management to allow the use of Hijab in the School.
The government through a release signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Professor Mamma Sabah Jibril, while announcing the right of the pupils to wear hijab stated: “Sequel to recent developments in our state over the status of the hijaab in public/grant-aided schools, the state government has consulted widely 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 the state governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq.”
It said the state government has considered submissions of all major interest groups on the matter and has thoroughly considered the education law of Kwara State.
It also mentioned that the state government, considering the prevailing court judgments and current global trends of multiculturalism led to a consultation-based decision that would bring lasting peace and understanding to the communities.
It said the government has also paid particular attention to the ‘declaratory’ nature of the subsisting judgments of the Court of Appeal and their allegations.
”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.”
It adds that the government directs that the affected 10 schools should reopened to commence classes on Monday 8th March 2021.
Lateefah Ibrahim
