From LAYI OLANREWAJU, Ilorin

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The Kwara State government has directed that students should be permitted to use the hijab in Christian schools in the state.
No fewer than 10 grant-aided Christian missionary schools were recently temporarily closed, over refusal of their management to allow the use of hijab in the schools.
The government through a release signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Mamma Sabah Jibril, while announcing the right of the pupils to wear hijab said: “Sequel to recent developments in our state over the status of the hijab in public/grant-aided schools, the state government has consulted widely with thought leaders and leaders of both Muslim and Christian communities with a view to clarifying issues and reaching a consensus.
The last of such meetings was held on Wednesday February 24, presided by Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq.
“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.
“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 schoolgirl to wear the hijab, and directs the Ministry of Education and Human Capital Development to come up with a uniform hijab for all public/ 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/grant-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 Monday March 8 2021,” he added