The Kwara State Government has ordered indefinite closure of 10 grant-aided missionary schools over the controversy surrounding its approval of use of Hijab (Muslim veil) in schools.
The government had approved the use of Hijab for all public schools on February 26, and directed 10 schools that were earlier closed due to the hijab controversy to be reopened March 10.
The government maintains that Hijab should be accepted as part of school uniform.
Before the approval a meeting between the government committee comprising representatives of the Muslim and Christian communities in was held on February 19.
However, proprietors still vowed not to allow the use of Hijab by female students in their schools.
In a statement on Monday, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education and Human Capital Development, Kemi Adeosun, directed the schools to remain shut.
“The government, therefore, directs school children and teachers in the affected schools to remain at home until the contrary is announced,” the statement said
”The government remains committed to fairness, pluralism, and respect for the law and rights of every citizen at all times.”
The affected schools are: C&S College Sabo Oke, St. Anthony Secondary School, 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; St. James Secondary School Maraba.
