The Kwara State Government has ordered the immediate temporary closure of some grant-aided schools in Ilorin pending the resolution of the controversy surrounding the use of Hijab in the affected schools.
According to a statement released yesterday by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education and Human Capital Development, Mrs Kemi Adeosun, the affected schools include Cherubim and Seraphim (C&S) College, Sabo Oke; St. Anthony College, Offa Road; ECWA School, Oja Iya; Surulere Baptist Secondary School and Bishop Smith Secondary School, Agba Dam.
Also affected are CAC Secondary School, Asa Dam; St. Barnabas Secondary School, Sabo Oke; St. John’s School, Maraba; St. Williams Secondary School, Taiwo Isale and St. James Secondary School, Maraba.
The ban on the use of hijab (veil) in some missionary secondary schools in Kwara state has been generating tension, with some students being locked out from school for wearing hijab.
The closure comes as a government committee comprising representatives of the Muslim and Christian communities met to iron out the differences between the two communities.
The state government has however called for calm and urged parents and religious leaders to avoid actions or comments that may further split the two communities.
It added that further communication will be issued to inform members of the public on the development.
