KWARA: 10 schools shut in Ilorin over hijab crisis

THE State Government has shut down 10 secondary schools in Ilorin, the state capital, pending resolution of the hijab crisis in the schools.

This was contained in a statement signed by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education and Human Capital Development, Kemi Adeosun today.

According to the statement the schools would remain closed until there is a resolution on the use of hijab.

The affected schools which are all located in Ilorin, according to the statement, include: 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 road, St. Barnabas Secondary School Sabo Oke, St. John School Maraba, St. Williams Secondary School Taiwo Isale, and St. James Secondary School Maraba.

The statement explained that the closure became necessary to allow a government committee comprising representatives of the Muslim and Christian communities, that meets today to iron out the differences between the two communities.

It assured members of the public that they will be kept abreast of development in the state.

“Government calls for calm and urges parents and religious leaders to avoid actions or comments that may further split the two communities”, the statement said.

Kwara State Government on Thursday after a marathon meeting set up an Independent Committee to recommend solutions to resolve the agitation for wearing of Hijab by Muslim female students, who are attending public schools owned by people of another faith.

Members of the committee chaired by the Deputy Governor, Kayode Alabi, include two thought leaders/statesmen from the two sides; three religious leaders from the two sides; Senator Suleiman Ajadi; Prince Sunday Fagbemi; Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Justice; Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education; Special Assistants to the Governor on Religion (Islam and Christianity); and the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor.