Don’t Impose Hijab And Berets On Students – Kwara Government Warns

The Kwara state government has warned school principals against imposing the wearing of the hijab or beret on any student, noting that use should be optional.

Chairman of the State Teaching Service Commission, Mallam Bello Abubakar gave the warning as conveyed in a statement released on Sunday, January 23.

Abubakar during a meeting on Friday, January 21, reaffirmed the determination of the state government to promote religious tolerance among teachers and students and enhance peaceful coexistence.

It was noted that the meeting was held with the aim of resolving the crisis over Hijab which erupted recently at Oyun Baptist Grammar School, Ijagbo, Oyun Local Government Area of Kwara State, according to the spokesman of TESCOM, Peter Amogbonjaye.

The statement added; “He, thereafter, warned the principals in Oyun axis to abide by the policy of the Kwara State Government and desist from imposing Hijab on any student, instead, it should be made optional.”

While warning that the present administration would not tolerate religious bigotry, enjoined all to shun religious sentiments and respect the rights of individuals, Bello reminded the gathering that Kwara State is a state of harmony and advised everyone to remain good ambassadors for the coming generation.

Recall that last year the Kwara Government shut down 10 schools over the Hijab crisis that the schools in the state.

In a statement signed by Mrs Kemi Adeosun, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education and Human Capital Development, the schools would remain closed until there is a resolution on the use of hijab.

The statement said that the closure comes as a government committee comprising representatives of the Muslim and Christian communities meets on Friday to iron out the differences between the two religious communities.