The Kwara government has approved the use of hijab in all
public and grant-aided schools in the state.
According to NAN, Mamma Jibril, the secretary to the state
government, broke the news in a statement on Thursday night.
The development comes as the government also directed the 10
schools it shut last week over a fresh hijab controversy to reopen on Monday.
“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,” it read.
“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 schoolgirls to wear the hijab, and directs the
Ministry of Education and Human Capital Development to come up with a uniform
hijab for all public and 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/grants aided schools.
“Also, the government affirms the right of every child in
public schools to freedom of worship.
“The government hereby directs that the affected 10 schools
should reopen to commence classes on March 8. Similarly, the government has
carefully noted submissions regarding ownership of grants aided schools and
related issues.
“While the status of these schools is the subject of
judicial determination, this and other related matters will soon be subjected
to a technical committee to advise accordingly.
“The government reassures all members of the public that it
will act in good conscience at all times.”
The government called on residents of the state to embrace
religious tolerance to ensure peaceful co-existence.
“The government asserts that there is no victor or
vanquished on the hijab question. It urges the two faith communities,
especially the leaders, opinion moulders and media personalities to act with
restraint and great responsibility in their public utterances and actions, and
continue to live in peace and harmony with one another,” it added.
“The government commends all the thought and religious
leaders on both sides for their forbearance, understanding and commitment to
peace.”
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