By Temi Joshua
The Kwara state government has approved the use of hijab in all schools.
This is coming after at least 10 schools were shutdown over Hijab controversies.
The new decision was made known to the public, in a statement, by Mamma Sabah Jibril, Secretary to the State Government on Thursday night, January 25th.
He said the state government 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.
He said the government considered submissions of all major interest groups, the education law of Kwara State, the prevailing court judgments and current global trends of multiculturalism.
“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,” the statement reads.
The state government also affirmed the right of every school child in public schools to freedom of worship.
“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 statement added.
The government hereby directs that the affected 10 schools should reopen to commence classes on Monday 8th March 2021.
