Hijab controversy: Kwara backtracks, says 10 schools to remain shut

The Kwara government has rescinded its decision to reopen the 10 grant-aided missionary schools in the state.

The schools were on February 19 closed down temporarily over the hijab controversy in the state.

A committee was later set up by the government to find a solution to the issue.

On February 26, the government approved the use of hijab in all the public and grant-aided schools.

But the government’s directive met stiff opposition as some of the mission schools said they will not accept the use of hijab by female students in their schools.

In a statement on Monday, Kemi Adeosun, permanent secretary, ministry of education and human capital development, said the schools will remain shut till further notice.

“The government, therefore, directs school children and teachers in the affected schools to remain at home until the contrary is announced,” she 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 and Bishop Smith Secondary School, Agba Dam.

The others are 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.