Kwara Approves Use of Hijab in Public Schools

By Dipo Olowookere

The Kwara State government has approved the use of the Hijab, a veil worn by female Muslims, in public schools in the state.

In a statement issued on Thursday by the Secretary to the Kwara State Government, Prof Mamma Sabah Jibril, it was emphasised that every Muslim schoolgirl has the right to put on the veil.

The government said it authorised the use of the Hijab in schools after consultations with the relevant stakeholders in the state, including leaders of both Muslim and Christian communities.

Recently, tensions were high over the use of the covering in some schools in the predominantly Muslim state. This led to the closure of 10 schools in the state to calm nerves.

Announcing the position of the Kwara State government on the Hijab controversy yesterday, Prof Sabah said any willing schoolgirl is permitted to wear Hijab, but emphasised that an approved type of the religious clothing would be designed and unveiled.

“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 SSG said in the statement.

The Kwara State government, which said “there is no victor or vanquished on the Hijab question,” urged the “two faith communities, especially the leaders, opinion moulders and media personalities to act with restraint and great responsibility in their public utterances and actions, and continue to live in peace and harmony with one another.”

“The government commends all the thought and religious leaders on both sides for their forbearance, understanding and commitment to peace,” it added.

The state government, thereafter, directed that the 10 schools shut a few days ago to reopen and resume classes from Monday, March 8, 2021.